India’s performance at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) has been a mix of challenges and triumphs. Known for its festive Boxing Day Test, the MCG has seen India play 14 Test matches here, winning just four, losing eight, and drawing two. Despite these statistics, the MCG holds a special place in Indian cricket history, and the upcoming Test match between India and Australia is highly anticipated. As the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) continues, let’s dive into India’s historical performance at the MCG, key players, and their records on this iconic ground.
India’s Boxing Day Test Record at MCG
India has faced Australia in multiple high-stakes Tests at the MCG, with the Boxing Day Test holding particular significance. India has played in the last nine Boxing Day Tests, a streak that started in 1948. Remarkably, India has found success in recent years, winning two out of the last three Boxing Day Tests at the MCG.
Here’s a closer look at India’s record against Australia at the MCG in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy:
| Teams | Winner | Margin | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| India vs Australia | Australia | 233 runs | January 1, 1948 |
| India vs Australia | Australia | Innings & 177 runs | February 6, 1948 |
| India vs Australia | Australia | Innings & 4 runs | December 30, 1967 |
| India vs Australia | India | 222 runs | December 30, 1977 |
| India vs Australia | India | 59 runs | February 7, 1981 |
| India vs Australia | Draw | – | December 26, 1985 |
| India vs Australia | Australia | 8 wickets | December 26, 1991 |
| India vs Australia | Australia | 180 runs | December 26, 1999 |
| India vs Australia | Australia | 9 wickets | December 26, 2003 |
| India vs Australia | Australia | 337 runs | December 26, 2007 |
| India vs Australia | Australia | 122 runs | December 26, 2011 |
| India vs Australia | Draw | – | December 26, 2014 |
| India vs Australia | India | 137 runs | December 26, 2018 |
| India vs Australia | India | 8 wickets | December 26, 2021 |
India’s most recent victories at the MCG came in the 2018-19 and 2020-21 series, where they defeated Australia by 137 runs and 8 wickets, respectively. These impressive wins have added to India’s growing confidence at the MCG, and with the upcoming Test, they are poised to continue their strong performance.
India’s Highest Run-Scorer at MCG
When it comes to India’s all-time top run-scorer at the MCG, Sachin Tendulkar leads the charts with 449 runs. Following him is Ajinkya Rahane, with 369 runs. However, Virat Kohli has steadily established himself as one of the most consistent batsmen at the MCG in recent years, accumulating 316 runs from three matches, including a spectacular 169 in 2014, despite a losing effort.
Kohli’s record at the MCG is a testament to his ability to perform under pressure in foreign conditions. His presence in the current squad boosts India’s batting strength, and many are eager to see if he can add to his tally in this year’s Boxing Day Test.
Top 3 Run-Scorers for India at the MCG:
- Sachin Tendulkar – 449 runs
- Ajinkya Rahane – 369 runs
- Virat Kohli – 316 runs
India’s Top Wicket-Taker at MCG
In the bowling department, Jasprit Bumrah and the legendary Anil Kumble share the record for the most wickets by an Indian at the MCG, with 15 wickets each. Recently-retired Ravichandran Ashwin follows closely with 14 wickets at the venue. Bumrah, with his fiery pace and ability to swing the ball both ways, has proven to be a crucial weapon for India in the fast-paced conditions of Melbourne. His performance will be vital for India in the upcoming Test as he aims to continue his dominance.
Top 3 Wicket-Takers for India at the MCG:
- Jasprit Bumrah – 15 wickets
- Anil Kumble – 15 wickets
- Ravichandran Ashwin – 14 wickets
MCG: A Fortress for India?
While India’s record at the MCG shows mixed results historically, their recent success in Melbourne speaks volumes about their improvement in foreign conditions. The win in the 2018-19 series by 137 runs, followed by another triumph in the 2020-21 series by 8 wickets, indicates that India has found a winning formula for success at this iconic venue.
India’s recent record on Australian soil, especially in Melbourne, has been a combination of excellent batting performances and disciplined bowling. With players like Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, and Jasprit Bumrah leading the way, India’s chances in the Boxing Day Test remain strong. The MCG continues to be a venue where India can challenge for victory, and with their unbeaten streak at the venue since 2014, they go into the Test with renewed confidence.
Conclusion
As India prepares to face Australia in the Boxing Day Test at the MCG, both teams are aware of the significance of this match. With India’s historic record in Melbourne and the presence of key players like Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah, the stage is set for another thrilling contest. The MCG, with its rich history and passionate crowds, remains a venue where cricketing history continues to be written. Whether India will add another chapter of success in their Melbourne journey is something cricket fans worldwide are eager to witness.
