IND vs AUS: What is India's record in the coveted Boxing Day Test?

India are set to play Australia next in Melbourne, in the Boxing Day Test match. What is India's record at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground?

In Short

• Boxing Day Test match starts on December 26
• India are level with Australia at 1-1 after 3 Tests
• The previous Test at the Gabba ended in a draw

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is 3 Tests down, with India and Australia level at 1-1. After a strong start in Perth, India has slightly mellowed after being hammered in Adelaide and then eking out a tough draw in Brisbane. However, India has taken much confidence from their sensational escape at the Gabba and is looking forward to the penultimate Test match of the series.

The Boxing Day Test match is set to be played at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground — popularly known as the MCG or simply as the 'G.' The Test match is expected to shatter all records of attendance for a non-Ashes game. India will be looking to make a strong comeback in the final two games of the series, not only to clinch a 3-peat in Australia but also to keep their hopes of the World Test Championship final alive.

India has had a strong record at the MCG in recent years. India has won the Boxing Day Tests in the last two tours and drawn one Test before that. The likes of Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane have put in strong batting performances in recent years, and on the other hand, Bumrah has weaved his magic as usual.

Overall, India has played 14 Test matches at the venue, winning only 4 of them. The team has lost 8 Test matches at the MCG and has drawn 2 games.

Border-Gavaskar Trophy: Full Coverage

INDIA'S MOST RECENT PERFORMANCES AT THE MCG

BGT 2014-15

The only drawn Test match in the last three tours. Bowling first in the game, India was put in trouble by a prolific Steve Smith, who scored 192 runs in the first innings.

India replied with twin centuries from Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane, who helped India score 465 runs in response to Australia's 530. After Australia declared for 318/9, India saw Australia off despite panicking early. Kohli and Rahane once again stabilized the Indian innings, after which Pujara, Dhoni, and Ashwin saw India off to a draw.

BGT 2018-19

Under the captaincy of Virat Kohli, India notched up a famous win in the Boxing Day Test match. After a strong batting performance in the first innings by Cheteshwar Pujara (106) and Virat Kohli (82), India put up 443/7d.

In response, Australia fumbled in both innings, courtesy of Jasprit Bumrah (9 wickets), and India won by 137 runs.

BGT 2020-21

It was once again Jasprit Bumrah and Ajinkya Rahane who showed the way. Bumrah bowled out Australia for just 195 runs in the first innings, after which Rahane added insult to injury with his patient hundred, helping India take a 100+ lead.

Australia faltered with the bat once again due to the combined prowess of Mohammed Siraj, Bumrah, and Umesh Yadav, helping India notch up an 8-wicket win. Rahane was named the player of the match for his century and captaincy.