Cricket, often referred to as a religion in India, finds its most sacred moments in Test matches, particularly when they coincide with festive times like Boxing Day. The Boxing Day Test, traditionally held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on December 26, has become one of the most anticipated events in the cricketing calendar, drawing fans from around the globe to witness some of the sport’s finest moments. Here, we delve into how India has performed in the last five Boxing Day Tests, a period which encapsulates both the highs of victory and the lows of defeat, setting the stage for the upcoming encounter against Australia.
In 2014, India faced Australia in what turned out to be a riveting draw. This match was significant not just for the scoreline but for the resilience shown by the Indian team. Despite a batting collapse in their first innings, India bounced back with a solid performance in the second, thanks to a remarkable 262 from Virat Kohli. Kohli’s innings was not just about the runs but was a testament to his character and skill under pressure. The match ended in a stalemate, but it was clear that India was learning to compete fiercely in foreign conditions.
Moving forward to 2018, the Boxing Day Test at MCG was a spectacle of India’s growing prowess. India managed a comprehensive win by 137 runs, with Cheteshwar Pujara and Kohli again playing pivotal roles with the bat. Pujara’s monumental 106 in the first innings, coupled with Kohli’s 82, set a daunting target for Australia. Jasprit Bumrah’s bowling was the clincher, taking nine wickets in the match, including a spell in the second innings that dismantled the Australian batting order. This victory was not just about the numbers; it was a statement of intent, showcasing India’s capability to dominate in Australia’s backyard.
The narrative of success continued into 2020, where India, under the captaincy of Ajinkya Rahane, clinched another Boxing Day Test by 8 wickets. This match was particularly memorable because it came in a series where India was facing adversity, including the absence of their regular skipper, Virat Kohli. Rahane’s leadership shone through, scoring a crucial 112 in the first innings, which was instrumental in India securing a substantial lead. The bowling attack, led by Mohammed Siraj and Bumrah, was relentless, ensuring Australia couldn’t recover from the early setbacks. This victory was emblematic of India’s resilience and adaptability, turning the tide of the series in their favor.
However, not all Boxing Day Tests have been tales of Indian glory. In 2021, against South Africa at Centurion, India managed a win by 113 runs, but this was more of a hard-fought victory rather than a dominant one. The match was a testament to India’s batting depth, with KL Rahul and Ajinkya Rahane playing key roles. The South African bowling attack was formidable, but India’s bowlers, especially Bumrah, managed to keep the opposition in check, leading to another Boxing Day triumph.
The pattern of success was broken in 2023 when South Africa handed India a crushing defeat by an innings and 32 runs. This match at SuperSport Park, Centurion, was a stark reminder of the challenges of playing away from home. The Indian batting lineup struggled against the pace and bounce of the South African bowlers, with only a few managing to stand up to the challenge. This loss was a significant learning curve, highlighting areas where India needed to strengthen, particularly in handling pace and adapting to different conditions.
As we approach the Boxing Day Test of 2024 against Australia, with the series tied at 1-1 and one draw, the context couldn’t be more thrilling. This match at the MCG will not only be about the cricket but about legacy, redemption, and the potential to set the tone for the remainder of the series. The historical performances give a mixed bag of results, but they also instill a sense of anticipation. India has shown they can win in Australia, but each match brings new challenges, new strategies, and sometimes, new heroes.
The performances of the past Boxing Day Tests illustrate a team that has grown in confidence and capability, yet remains aware of the challenges of Test cricket, especially in foreign conditions. The blend of experienced players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah with the fresh talents like Shubman Gill and Mohammed Siraj suggests a balanced squad ready to tackle the Australian challenge.
As fans gear up for what promises to be another epic showdown, the focus will be on how India adapts to the conditions at MCG, the form of their key players, and the strategic battles between bat and ball. The narrative of the last five Boxing Day Tests has been one of growth, learning, and moments of sheer cricketing brilliance. With history as their backdrop, India will look to script another chapter of success or learn from the adversities of past encounters.
This Boxing Day, as India faces Australia, it will be more than just a cricket match; it will be a celebration of the sport, a test of character, and a spectacle of skill, where every ball bowled and every run scored will add to the rich tapestry of cricketing lore.
