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Ahead of the fourth India-Australia Test, which starts on December 26 in Melbourne, here’s a look at India’s record in 18 Boxing Day Tests played so far.
India has won 4 out of 18 Boxing Day Tests played so far. (Picture Credit: AFP)
The fourth Test of the ongoing five-match series between India and Australia is set to start on Thursday (December 26). The Boxing Day Test is scheduled to take place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. India has won the last two Boxing Day Tests played at the iconic stadium in Melbourne, and Rohit Sharma’s side will be eager to complete the hat trick of wins this time around.
India is coming into the fourth Test at MCG after playing a draw against the Baggy Greens in Brisbane last week. The third Test of the ongoing series between the two teams at The Gabba was impacted by rain on all five days. With the series level at 1-1 after the first three Tests, both teams will be eager to put on a spirited show in the fourth match of the series and take a crucial 2-1 lead.
India will once again have high hopes from Jasprit Bumrah, who has accounted for the dismissal of 21 batters so far in the series. Bumrah, who sits at the No. 1 position in ICC Test bowler’s rankings, has a very good record in Tests at MCG. In two red-ball matches played so far at the biggest cricket stadium in Australia, Bumrah has dismissed 15 batters.
Here is India’s record in the Boxing Day Tests ahead of Thursday’s match in Melbourne:
India’s Record In Boxing Day Tests
- Played: 18
- Won: 4
- Lost: 11
- Drawn: 3
- Last Result: Defeat by an innings and 32 runs against South Africa in Centurion, 2023.
India Boxing Day Results
- 1985: Draw against Australia in Melbourne.
- 1987: Draw against West Indies in Kolkata.
- 1991: Defeat by 8 wickets against Australia in Melbourne.
- 1992: Defeat by 9 wickets against South Africa in Gqeberha.
- 1996: Defeat by 328 runs against South Africa in Durban.
- 1998: Defeat by 4 wickets against New Zealand in Wellington.
- 1999: Defeat by 180 runs against Australia in Melbourne.
- 2003: Defeat by 9 wickets against Australia in Melbourne.
- 2006: Defeat by 174 runs against South Africa in Durban.
- 2007: Defeat by 337 runs against Australia in Melbourne.
- 2009: Win by 87 runs against South Africa in Durban.
- 2011: Defeat by 122 runs against Australia in Melbourne.
- 2013: Defeat by 10 wickets against South Africa in Durban.
- 2014: Draw against Australia in Melbourne.
- 2018: Win by 137 runs against Australia in Melbourne.
- 2020: Win by 8 wickets against Australia in Melbourne.
- 2021: Win by 113 runs against South Africa in Centurion.
- 2023: Defeat by an innings & 32 runs against South Africa in Centurion.
Top scores for India in Boxing Day Tests
- 195 runs from 223 balls by Virender Sehwag Australia in Melbourne, 2003.
- 169 runs from 272 balls by Virat Kohli vs Australia in Melbourne, 2014.
- 147 runs from 171 balls by Ajinkya Rahane vs Australia in Melbourne, 2014.
Best bowling figures for India in Boxing Day Tests
- 6 for 33 by Jasprit Bumrah vs Australia in Melbourne, 2018.
- 6 for 128 by Ravindra Jadeja vs South Africa in Durban, 2013.
- 6 for 176 by Anil Kumble vs Australia in Melbourne, 2003.
