The last time India faced Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) was during the second Test of their 2020-21 series, which took place from December 26 to 28, 2020.
Ajinkya Rahane stepped in as captain after Virat Kohli left the tour following the first Test to attend the birth of his child.
Rahane led the team to a remarkable eight-wicket victory at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) during the Boxing Day Test.
This match was particularly significant as it marked India’s remarkable comeback after suffering a historic low of 36 all out in the first Test of the series.
Match Overview
India entered the MCG Test under immense pressure, having lost the first Test in Adelaide by 8 wickets. However, they managed to turn the tables dramatically in Melbourne.
Captained by Ajinkya Rahane, India won the match by 8 wickets, leveling the series at 1-1. This victory was crucial not only for morale but also for maintaining competitiveness in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Key Performances
- Ajinkya Rahane: The stand-in captain played a pivotal role, scoring a vital 112 runs in the first innings, which set a solid foundation for India’s success.
- Ravichandran Ashwin: Contributed significantly with the ball, taking 5 wickets in Australia’s first innings and helping restrict them to a modest total.
- Jasprit Bumrah: He also shone with the ball, claiming crucial wickets and maintaining pressure on the Australian batting lineup.
Match Details
- First Innings: India scored 326 runs, with Rahane’s century being the highlight. In response, Australia managed only 195 runs, largely due to Ashwin’s and Bumrah’s excellent bowling.
- Second Innings: India chased down a target of 70 runs with relative ease, finishing at 70 for 2.
This match was notable as it showcased India’s resilience and ability to bounce back from adversity.
It also highlighted their growing strength in overseas conditions, particularly in Australia. The victory at MCG was India’s second win at this venue in Tests, following their triumph in 2018 by 137 runs.
Following this match, India continued to build on their momentum throughout the series, eventually winning the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
The victory at MCG became a defining moment in Indian cricket history, symbolizing their ability to perform under pressure and against formidable opponents like Australia on their home soil.
