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What Happened When Last Time India Faced Australia In Boxing Day Test At MCG?

Sakshi Sharma∙ Updated: Dec 24 2024, 4:08 PM

Border-Gavaskar-Trophy 2021 (Source:@CricCrazyJohns,x.com)Border-Gavaskar-Trophy 2021 (Source:@CricCrazyJohns,x.com)

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is shaping up to be an unforgettable series as expected, with the series delicately poised at 1-1 after the first three Tests. The series kicked off in dramatic fashion at Optus Stadium in Perth, where India made history by handing Australia their first-ever Test defeat at this venue. 

However, Australia hit back strongly in the second Test at Adelaide, extending their unbeaten streak in day-night Tests at the venue. The hosts outclassed India in all departments, and secured a comfortable 10-wicket victory. The third Test, played at the Gabba in Brisbane, was marred by persistent rain interruptions, and the match resulted in draw. 

With the series now tied at 1-1, India will face Australia in the fourth match of the series at MCG. On that note, let’s look at what happened when India last played a test match in Melbourne.

What Happened When India Last Time Played Test Match In Melbourne?

India’s last Test match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) was the second Test of India’s 2020/21 tour of Australia and this remains etched in the memories of cricket fans as one of the most iconic victories in recent years. 

The Test is widely remembered for Ajinkya Rahane’s match-defining century in the first innings. Batting under immense pressure, Rahane played captain’s knock, scoring 112 runs to lead his team’s recovery. 

Earlier in the match, it was India’s pace attack that had set the tone. Jasprit Bumrah stunning four-wicket haul that helped bowl Australia out for just 195 runs in their first innings. 

India’s response was not without its challenges. At 173/5, the visitors were in a precarious position. But it was the partnership between Ajinkya Rahane and Ravindra Jadeja that turned the match in India’s favor. The duo stitched a crucial 123-run stand for the sixth wicket, which propelled India to a total of 326. 

Australia’s batting woes continued in the second innings, with their top order crumbling under pressure. Despite a fighting knock from Steve Smith, the Australian batting line-up collapsed once again, and they were bowled out for just 200 runs. 

The 2020/21 series will go down as one of the most memorable series in Test cricket and the MCG Test remains a highlight of that unforgettable journey.