On Boxing Day 2024, India will face Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) for the fourth Test of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. While India has a mixed record at the MCG, having won 4, drawn 2, and lost 8 out of 14 encounters, their recent form here is impressive. The team has remained unbeaten in its last three visits, with memorable victories in 2021-22 and 2018-19. In 2021-22, India triumphed in Kohli’s absence, led by a brilliant 112 from Ajinkya Rahane, while 2018-19 saw Cheteshwar Pujara’s 106 and Jasprit Bumrah’s match-winning 9-wicket haul secure a famous win. India also managed a draw in 2014-15, in what was MS Dhoni’s final Test match.
Key players for India in this match will be Virat Kohli, who has an impressive 316 runs in three innings at the MCG, and Bumrah, who has a superb bowling record at the venue with 15 wickets at an average of 13.06. Alongside them, players like Ajinkya Rahane, Cheteshwar Pujara, and Rishabh Pant will be crucial in the middle order. Australia, however, remains a formidable opponent with a strong pace attack led by Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, as well as in-form batsmen like Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne. With both teams eager to take control of the series, this Boxing Day Test is set to be a thrilling contest.
Melbourne Pitch Report: Australia vs India 4th Test, Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25
The pitch at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is expected to offer a balanced contest between bat and ball. Early in the game, bowlers are likely to find some assistance, especially with the new ball, as the surface offers seam movement and consistent bounce. Fast bowlers can expect to see the ball move off the pitch, with a hint of seam and possibly some tennis-ball bounce, characteristics that have defined the MCG track in recent years.
As the match progresses, however, the pitch is expected to become more favorable for the batters. The surface will likely lose its moisture, and the consistent bounce will allow for aggressive stroke play, creating opportunities for the batters to score freely. However, the large boundaries at the MCG will require batters to be precise and powerful with their shots, adding an extra challenge to their scoring.
The weather conditions will also play a crucial role, with temperatures predicted to be high, around 35°C. This heat will cause the pitch to dry out and gradually favor the batters, especially on day two. By the end of day three, the surface may begin to show signs of deterioration, making it slightly more difficult for the batters. If the heat wave persists, spinners and hit-the-deck pacers could come into play in the final stages of the match.
In terms of strategy, the toss-winner will likely opt to bat first, as the early conditions may provide the best chance for the bowlers to make an impact, while the later stages of the match could favor the batters. With no drawn tests in the last six Boxing Day fixtures at the MCG, this track is expected to provide a result-oriented contest, with both sides needing to adapt to the changing conditions as the game unfolds.
Australia vs India Head-to-Head Test Record in Melbourne (The MCG)
| Total matches | 14 |
| Australia won | 8 |
| India won | 4 |
| Draw | 2 |
| Tied | 0 |
| No Result | 0 |
Australia vs India 4th Test, Probable Playing XI
Australia
Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey (wk), Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Sam Konstas, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster
India
Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma (c), Rishabh Pant (wk), Dhruv Jurel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep
Where to watch India vs Australia 4th Test Match, Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25
In India, the 2024–2025 Border-Gavaskar Trophy will be broadcast on the Star Sports Network, with live streaming available on Disney Plus Hotstar.
