India and Australia will meet in a crucial fourth test in Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) from December 26. The series is currently tied 1-1 and both teams will go neck-neck in terms of their aggression and hunger to win the game and head into the Sydney test with an edge and confidence.
Historically, India have won four and lost eight in a total of 12 tests played at the ‘G’. However, since the last decade, the visitors have returned with impressive performances in the second-largest stadium in the world. They are unbeaten at the venue since the 2014 tour and will look to maintain a fine run.
The last decade started with India’s 2011-12 tour to Australia, where Australia managed to win by 122 runs. However, the infamous 2014 MCG test game saw India play out a draw. It was the same game where Mitchell Johnson and Virat Kohli engaged in a fiery altercation. The star Indian batter returned with a 169-run knock and stitched a 262-run stand with Ajinkya Rahane (147) in the first innings.
Thereafter, Jasprit Bumrah stole the show during his debut tour to Australia in 2018, where he picked up a total of nine wickets to help India complete a 137-run victory. In India’s last tour to Australia in 2020/21, Ajinkya Rahane led from the front with his century to pave the way for India to secure an eight-wicket victory.
Story so far in BGT 2024-25 ahead of Melbourne Test
India arrived in Australia, with no extraordinary expectations, given their disappointing 3-0 loss against New Zealand at home. However, the stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah led the Indian team in a proficient fashion as they managed to stun Australia in Perth.
After getting all-out for 150, Bumrah and Co. fired on all cylinders and bundled out Australia for 104. Then, they managed to dominate the proceedings and win by 295 runs.
However, Australia’s pink-ball experience helped them to return with exceptional performances in the day-night test in Adelaide. The hosts secured a 10-wicket victory and leveled the series 1-1. The disappointing captaincy run of Rohit Sharma continued as well.
In the third test played in Gabba, Australia posted a strong total of 445 on the board in the first innings. In response, the Indian batting unit struggled, but managed to find potent contributions from KL Rahul (84) and Ravindra Jadeja (77). Further, the push from Akash Deep (31) and Bumrah (10*) helped them avoid the follow-on.
Australia were under pressure on the final day, when they declared on 89/7, and set up a target of 275 for the visitors. However, the rain showers had a final say in the game, and the match was declared a draw.
FAQs
Who is the highest wicket-taker in BGT 2024-25?
Jasprit Bumrah – 21 wickets
Who has scored most runs in BGT 2024-25?
Travis Head – 409 runs
