The much-anticipated Boxing Day Test between India and Australia is set to take place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) from December 26, marking one of the most iconic fixtures in world cricket. As the series between the two teams is currently tied at 1-1, this test holds significant importance, not just for the Border-Gavaskar […]
The much-anticipated Boxing Day Test between India and Australia is set to take place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) from December 26, marking one of the most iconic fixtures in world cricket.
As the series between the two teams is currently tied at 1-1, this test holds significant importance, not just for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy but also in the context of the World Test Championship (WTC) standings.
A win for India will give them a 2-1 lead and strengthen their bid for a place in the WTC final.
What is the Boxing Day Test?
A Boxing Day Test refers to a cricket match held annually on December 26, the day after Christmas, which is a public holiday in many countries, including Australia. Traditionally, the Boxing Day Test is played at the MCG in Melbourne, a venue steeped in cricket history.
While Melbourne has long been the host of the event, the tradition has extended to other parts of the world, with countries like South Africa and New Zealand adopting the concept in various forms.
The Boxing Day Test is celebrated as one of the highlights of the Australian summer, attracting massive crowds to the MCG, which has a capacity of over 100,000. The match is often seen as a celebration of cricket, marking the beginning of the festive season, and it holds a special place in the hearts of fans, players, and cricketing history alike.
India’s record in Boxing Day Tests
India has had a mixed record in Boxing Day Tests at the MCG, with four wins, eight losses, and two draws in 14 matches played at the iconic venue. One of India’s most memorable victories came in December 2020, when Ajinkya Rahane led the team to a commanding eight-wicket victory, leveling the series after the shock defeat in the Adelaide Test. The victory was particularly remarkable considering the context – just days earlier, India had been dismissed for their lowest-ever Test score of 36 in the pink-ball Test at Adelaide, a stunning reversal after their dominant performance in the first Test.
Rahane’s leadership during the 2020 Boxing Day Test was exemplary. His brilliant century (112 runs) in the first innings, combined with vital contributions from the bowlers, led India to a famous victory.
That win was pivotal in restoring confidence in the Indian camp after a challenging start to the series.
Border Gavaskar Trophy 2025
As the series is currently tied at 1-1, the upcoming Boxing Day Test presents a crucial opportunity for both teams. India, under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, will look to build on the momentum from their resilient draw at The Gabba. The squad will be determined to replicate their success from 2020, with key players such as Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, and Ravichandran Ashwin playing pivotal roles in India’s strategy for Melbourne.
With a chance to take a 2-1 lead in the series and a strong possibility of securing a spot in the WTC final, India will enter the MCG with confidence, hoping to write another memorable chapter in their history at the Boxing Day Test.
