With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy tied at 1-1 after 3 Tests, the fourth Test is going to be a thriller at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). This Boxing Day Test starts on 26th December, with both teams trying to get an edge in the series. A win here for either team will also improve its chances of making it to the WTC final. With so much at stake, let us understand how India has performed at the MCG in Tests.
The Last Two Outings at the MCG for India in Tests
While India’s Test record at the MCG is not something to be proud of, the last two outings for the visitors have been fruitful. Team India will want to make a hat-trick of wins at MCG, but putting runs on the board for a struggling batting unit will be a challenging task.
December 26-29, 2020 – India Won By 8 Wickets
Team India registered a famous win at the MCG in 2020, especially after a humiliating loss at Adelaide in that series. Plus, the absence of Virat Kohli meant that the stand-in captain, Ajinkya Rahane, had to get the players together and put up a fight.
Batting first, Australia could only put 195 runs on the board, as Jasprit Bumrah picked up four wickets. In reply, Ajinkya Rahane led from the front, as he scored a brilliant ton. India managed to post 326 runs in the first innings, taking a 131-run lead.
Australian batters struggled in the second innings too, and the team was bowled out for just 200 runs. India easily chased the target of 70 runs and secured a famous 8-wicket win.
December 26-30, 2018 – India Won By 137 Runs
In 2018, Indian batters put on a show at the MCG, scoring 443 runs in the first innings. While Cheteshwar Pujara scored a brilliant century, he was well supported by Mayank Agarwal, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma, who all scored half centuries. In response, Australian batters were left clueless by Jasprit Bumrah, who took six wickets.
With a massive lead of 292 runs in the first innings, India declared the second innings for just 106 runs, leaving 399 runs for Australia to chase. Australia failed to chase the target, and India won the match eventually by 137 runs. Jasprit Bumrah, for his nine wickets, was named the player of the match.
Important Stats for India at the MCG in Tests
In the 14 Tests played at the MCG, India has managed to win four. In the eight matches, India suffered defeat, while the two Tests ended in a draw. The following are some of the other important stats with respect to the Indian team at the MCG:
- Highest Total: 465
- Lowest Total: 67
- Biggest Win (by runs): 222 runs
- Biggest Win (by wickets): 8 wickets
- Most Runs: 449 Runs – Sachin Tendulkar
- Highest Score: 195 Runs – Virender Sehwag
- Highest Batting Average (minimum five innings): 73.80 – Ajinkya Rahane
- Most Wickets: 15 Wickets – Jasprit Bumrah
- Highest Partnership: 262 Runs – Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane
What to Expect From the 4th Test to be Played in MCG?
India managed to escape the defeat in the third Test at Brisbane, thanks to the rain and brilliant batting by India’slower order. While India’s batting looks weak, Australia’s top order has also been shaky. The battle now will be between Indian and Australian bowlers, where Australia has an edge. Apart from Jasprit Bumrah, no Indian bowler has seemed as effective. Australia will also have a task ahead, with Hazlewood ruled out of the remaining series.
A closely contested match is expected in MCG, as both teams are looking to win the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and take a step towards the WTC final.
Final Thoughts
India’s overall Test record at the MCG is below average, but the last two matches at the venue have been favorable for the team. India will be missing a lot of players from their previous two Australian tours, but the team will have to put up a strong fight to secure a win at the MCG. If Indian batters are able to put up a big score on the board, bowlers can put the Australian team under pressure. Expect a close match, as both teams will be rearing to go and get a lead in the five-match Test series.