Team India departs for Melbourne (Source:@Screengrab, StarSports)
Rohit Sharma and team has departed for Melbourne today (December 19), where the fourth Test of the highly-anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy will take place at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). With the series now evenly poised at 1-1 after the rain-impacted draw in the third Test at The Gabba, India will head to the Boxing Day Test with renewed confidence.
The third Test, which was expected to be a thrilling encounter was marred by inclement weather and that led to the match ended in drawn. It is important to note that, as the team made its way to Melbourne, there was a crucial moment at The Gabba, as Ravichandran Ashwin bid farewell to international cricket.
India’s Test Record At The MCG
The Boxing Day Test holds special significance for the team, given their memorable triumph at the same venue in December 2020. Under the captaincy of Ajinkya Rahane, India registered a resounding eight-wicket victory in the second Test of the series.
India has had a mixed record at the MCG in Test cricket. Out of the 14 Tests they have played there, India has won four matches and lost 8, and two matches ended in a draw. The venue has been proven to be an exceptional venue for India, with an impressive unbeaten record in Test matches there over the past 12 years.
It is important to mention that, MCG has different playing conditions in comparison to other Australian venues like the Gabba or Perth. With less bounce than typically found in Australia, the pitch conditions play perfectly to India's strengths, giving them a significant advantage.
So, both teams will be eager to seize the advantage, with Australia looking to bounce back after a frustrating draw, and India will aim to win the match.
 "Sakshi Sharma")
