How India turned the tide in their Boxing Day tussles against Australia
When the Boxing Day Test arrives each year, cricket fans across the world appreciate a rich tradition that combines the enthusiasm of the holidays with the grit of Test cricket. With the Border Gavaskar Trophy levelled at 1-1, for India, it is a moment of reckoning—an opportunity to write stories of resilience or face the weight of Australian domination. India’s Boxing Day matches have produced moments of grandeur, sadness, and everything.
Boxing Day celebrated on December 26, originated in Western culture when servants got “Christmas boxes.” In cricket, Australia hosts the highly anticipated Test match at the MCG, converting it into a colourful funfair. Although the ritual has expanded to other countries, Australia remains the centre point.
Boxing Day Test gonna be massive for both teams. Both captains are happy with their team performance #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/gFIRSZGPd1
— Muhammad Irfan 🇦🇺 (@IrfiLuck) December 19, 2024
India played their first Boxing Day Test in 1985, which ended in a draw. Australia dominated the first five matches, winning them all. However, India broke through under Virat Kohli in 2018 with their first triumph, followed by another in 2020. India has won two, drawn two, and lost five of its nine matches.
Imagine this: India was knocked out for 36 in Adelaide, their lowest test total. Morale dropped, and skipper Virat Kohli departed on paternity leave. Enter Ajinkya Rahane, who is recognised for his calm leadership. Australia started with Jasprit Bumrah and debutant Mohammed Siraj destroying their top order. Bumrah scored 4/56, while Siraj had 3/37. The hosts only managed 195.
Rahane scored a remarkable 112 on a challenging pitch, demonstrating controlled aggressiveness. His 121-run partnership with Ravindra Jadeja (57) helped India reach 326, earning a significant lead. Under pressure, Australia stumbled again in the second innings. Siraj performed admirably, while R Ashwin and Bumrah limited the hosts. Chasing just 70, India won by eight wickets, levelling the series and showcasing their dominance in cricket’s heated rivalry.
In 2018, India and Australia played a Boxing Day match at the MCG 1-1. Cheteshwar Pujara led the innings with 106, followed by Virat Kohli at 82 and Mayank Agarwal at 76. India declared 443/7, piling pressure on Australia.
Jasprit Bumrah had an outstanding effort, taking 6/33 in the first innings as Australia laboured to 151. Despite Pat Cummins’ resilience in the second innings, India bowled Australia out for 261, securing a 137-run victory and their first Boxing Day win in 37 years, giving them a series advantage.
The 2014 Boxing Day Test was less about the outcome and more about the artistry on the pitch. Australia batted first, with Steve Smith’s dominating 192 helping them reach 530. Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane arranged India’s reply.
Kohli’s 169 was a masterpiece of shot-making, and Rahane’s 147 added flare to the comeback. Together, they fashioned a magnificent 262-run partnership that amazed the MCG crowd. The match resulted in a draw, demonstrating India’s ability to compete with the Australians on their home soil.
The 2011 Boxing Day Test was a sharp reminder of Australia’s superiority at home. Despite starts from Virender Sehwag, Rahul Dravid, and Sachin Tendulkar, India failed to capitalise, falling for 282 in their first innings.
James Pattinson’s aggressive speed was too much for India in the second innings, as he ripped through their lineup for 4/53. Chasing 292, India fell to 169, giving Australia a 122-run triumph.
Matthew Hayden set the tone for the 2007 Boxing Day Test at the MCG, scoring 124 off 183 balls against India’s bowlers. Phil Jaques scored 66 before being sharply stumped by MS Dhoni. Stuart Clark’s accuracy caused India to collapse for 196 runs. In their second innings, Australia declared at 351/7, leaving India requiring 499 to win.
India’s second innings reflected their first, with Dravid managing a stoic 16 off 114 balls and Ganguly 40. Mitchell Johnson and Brett Lee put up pressure, while Brad Hogg got key wickets. India crumbled for 161, handing Australia a dominant 337-run win.
