Melbourne: The much awaited Boxing Day Test between Australia and India will take place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), a location rich in history and custom. Since India has won four of its ten Test matches in Australia, this legendary field has particular meaning for them. However, Australia’s potent bowling attack will put the team’s hitters to the test.
The MCG’s Legacy
The Melbourne Cricket Club founded the MCG in 1846, and its history is intimately linked to that of Melbourne, which was founded in 1835. Numerous important events have taken place at the field, like as the inaugural Test match between Australia and England in 1877. Charles Bannerman scored the first century in Test cricket here, and in 1879, Fred Spofforth achieved the first Test hat-trick. The 1956 Olympics and several other events were held at the MCG, which has developed into a multisport arena over time.
India remembers the MCG with pride, having won in 1977, 1981, 2018, and 2020. Every victory has a famous backstory:
- 1977: India’s historic 222-run triumph in Australia was their first Test victory.
- 1981: A thrilling victory was achieved thanks to the valiant actions of Gundappa Viswanath and the brilliant bowling of Kapil Dev.
- 2018: Jasprit Bumrah declared that he will lead India to win with an incredible 6/33.
- 2020: Another unforgettable victory was underpinned by Ajinkya Rahane’s tenacious century under trying circumstances.
The Present Difficulty
In recent years, the MCG’s pitch has provided something for bowlers, requiring tenacity and talent from hitters. On Day 1, intense heat is predicted, which might cause the surface to fracture and make matters more challenging. When facing players like Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Scott Boland, India’s batting, which is headed by Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Rishabh Pant, will have to step up.
India’s trump card is still Jasprit Bumrah, who has taken 21 wickets in the series at an amazing average of 10.90. But Australia’s bowling attack is just as strong, and Boland’s outstanding performance at the MCG (40 wickets at an average of 20.42) gives them depth.
On Christmas Day, Travis Head passed a fitness test, giving Australia a boost. His involvement was confirmed by captain Pat Cummins, who said, “Trav is good to go, so he’ll play fully fit.”
It would be vital for India to balance the playing XI. Given the circumstances and the stakes of the match, there is a discussion of adding an additional seamer.
The Crowd and the Toss
Since neither team wants to field on Day 1 in the blazing sun, the toss will be crucial. The crowded stadium will increase the match’s intensity and atmosphere, breaking attendance records for a Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test.
Fans expect a gladiatorial affair between two evenly matched sides at one of cricket’s most famous stadiums as the Boxing Day Test progresses. A historic clash is anticipated as history, stakes, and skill come together.
