Melbourne is set to witness another thrilling clash as India takes on Australia for the coveted Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on December 26, 2024. This game holds massive significance with the Border-Gavaskar Trophy locked at 1-1, making it pivotal for both teams not just for the trophy, but also for their aspirations for the ICC World Test Championship final.
The atmosphere is charged as fans eagerly await the action, with India aiming to retain the trophy, having enjoyed recent success at this venue. The Indian team, led by Rohit Sharma, boasts notable performances over the past two Boxing Day Tests, winning both against Australia. The pressure is certainly on both sides, as neither can afford to falter on such a prestigious occasion.
The series has been anything but straightforward, marked by standout individual performances and team drama, especially from the Australian side. Batting prodigy Travis Head, who has been the backbone of Australia's batting throughout the series with 409 runs at an impressive average of 81.80, is expected to play a central role. After experiencing the sting of being dropped from the team following the 2020 Boxing Day Test, he is determined to rise to the occasion this time around.
Meanwhile, Australian captain Pat Cummins noted the favorable pitch conditions at the MCG, stating, "It looks really good, quite consistent with what it has been like here for the last few years. There's a bit of grass coverage, and it feels nice and firm." This sets the stage for fast bowlers on both sides to make their mark.
On the Indian front, Jasprit Bumrah stands out as their spearhead, recently equaling Ravichandran Ashwin's record high of 904 rating points, securing his position as the best Test bowler currently. With 21 wickets this series so far, his performance will be instrumental if India hopes to clinch the game. Former Australian captain Tim Paine has lauded Bumrah, calling him "certainly across all three formats [as] hard to argue with the numbers he is putting up at the moment."
But the match will not be without its controversy and tension. Virat Kohli, another star player, faces scrutiny after being involved in a reported incident with the youngest Australian debutant, Sam Konstas. This drama adds another layer to the rivalry. Kohli's experience and recent form will be pivotal as he tries to silence critics and perform under pressure.
Both teams are coming off intense matches leading up to this encounter, with Australia feeling the weight of needing to win to avoid another series defeat against India. On the other hand, India looks to build on their recent winning momentum at the MCG, where they have remained unbeaten since 2011. The stakes couldn’t be higher, as victory not only secures the series lead but could also have significant ramifications for the World Test Championship.
Prior to the Test, Bumrah was quoted, stating, “I’m feeling really good, and the team is confident. Each game is important, and I just want to contribute as much as I can.” This demonstrates the mentality both teams must adopt, as they push through the physical demands of Test cricket. The hot conditions expected on Day 1, with temperatures predicted to reach 40 degrees Celsius, will test both squads’ endurance and tactical planning.
It's also worth noting the strategic changes within the teams, especially with India's batting order. Reports suggest KL Rahul, who has been prolific during this series, might be moved to the number three spot, allowing Rohit Sharma to lead-off, even though he struggled with the middle order previously.
Overall, the Boxing Day Test is shaping up to be a classic encounter filled with promise—star players on both sides vying for glory and to secure key points for World Test Championship qualification. With the series deadlocked, all eyes will be glued to this pivotal match at the legendary MCG.
