New Delhi: The ongoing Boxing Day Test between India and Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) has added a remarkable chapter to cricket history. Over 300 runs were scored within the first two days, a milestone that has been repeated after 21 long years. As the match remains at an intriguing juncture, fans eagerly anticipate which team will seize the advantage in the coming days.
Winning the toss, Australian skipper Pat Cummins opted to bat first—a decision fully justified by the team’s batters. By the end of Day 1, Australia had amassed 311 runs for the loss of six wickets. On Day 2, Steve Smith and Pat Cummins’ stellar performances carried the team to a commanding total of 474.
Steve Smith struck a brilliant century, while Cummins contributed a resilient half-century, keeping the Indian bowlers under pressure. Indian bowlers, particularly Mohammed Shami and Ravichandran Ashwin, displayed good form but were outclassed by the Australian batting lineup's patience and skill.
India’s response to Australia’s first innings was a mixed bag. Although the initial partnership looked promising, the team finished Day 2 at 164 for six. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Virat Kohli tried to steady the innings, but Australian bowlers dominated in the later stages.
The highlight of the match has been the rare feat of scoring over 300 runs in the first two days at MCG—a record last witnessed 21 years ago during the 2003-04 series between India and Australia. Before that, similar records were set at this iconic venue in the 1924-25 and 1910-11 seasons.
This extraordinary achievement underscores the high caliber of cricket displayed by both teams and adds to the legacy of the Melbourne Cricket Ground as a stage for historic moments.
The final 30 minutes of Day 2 proved disastrous for India, as the team lost three critical wickets in quick succession. Virat Kohli, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and nightwatchman Akash Deep were all dismissed, putting India on the back foot. However, the presence of resilient players like Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja provides a glimmer of hope for a comeback.
As the Boxing Day Test unfolds, all eyes are on whether India can recover from their shaky start and whether the historic trend of high-scoring matches at MCG will continue. With both teams showcasing exceptional cricket, the remaining days promise to be a thrilling spectacle for cricket enthusiasts worldwide.
