The “Boxing Day Test” match has a huge significance. It is played on a day after Christmas. It is usually held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Australia with the Australian cricket team hosting the match starting on 26th December with an opposing national team which tours to Australia in the summer break there. It begins on the Boxing day (26 December) and goes on till 31st December. Other countries like South Africa and New Zealand also host a boxing day test with the teams touring the country in summer (December/ January/ February). This year, Australia hosted India, South Africa hosted Sri Lanka and New Zealand hosted Pakistan for the Boxing Day test 2020.
Australia vs India
Match Facts:
- This was the 100th Test match between India and Australia.
- Australia and India have played 8 Boxing Day Test matches.
- Australia has won 5 Boxing Day Test matches out of 8.
- 2 out of 8 matches were Drawn.
- India had won only 1 Boxing Day Test (2018)
After the Adelaide horror for India, Virat Kohli leaving the side for paternity leave, Rohit Sharma still in Quarantine and Shami ruled out of the tests due to injury, Ajinkya Rahane had to captain the side and also move on to level the series. Australia went on with the same squad whereas India made a few changes. Shubman Gill and M. Siraj made their Test debut, Ravindra Jadeja in for Kohli and Rishabh Pant came in for Saha. With four player changes and a new captain leading the team, it was a real test for the Indian Cricket Team.
With a lot of external pressures hovering around them, team India was being tested not only for their ability to play good cricket but how strong are they mentally. After the 36 -9, there were talks all around as to who is a better captain, a better opener and how the team should play in Australia. While there were some really bothersome comments passed on the team, the love and hope for a good game was still alive in the Indian fans. Hope is all we needed to wake up at 5 am and watch the team play.
Resilience and character displayed by the team was unreal and unmatched. The captain’s composure, the debutant’s performance, the excellent spell from the bowling unit together contributed to this win. Every day of the game felt like pressure visiting each team room at different times. With all the challenges presented to the team, they stepped up to it and showed a great character as cricketers and team as a whole. Together they registered their 2nd Boxing Day Test match win!
Catch the summary and highlights below for the historical game of Indian cricket.
Match 2: Melbourne Cricket Ground
Day 1 (26-12-2020)
Australia won the toss and opted to bat first.
End of session 1 
65-3 | End of session 2 136-5 | End of session 3 (Stumps)  195-10 / 
36-1 (Trail by 159 runs)
After stumps, Shubman (28*) and Pujara (7*) would be continuing to bat on day 2.Â
Day 2 (27-12-2020)
End of session 1Â 90-3 (Trail by 105 runs) Â | End of session 2 189-5 (trail by 6runs) | End of session 3 (Stumps) 277-5 (Lead by 82 runs)
After stumps, Rahane 104*Â and Jadeja 40*Â would be continuing to bat on day 3.Â
Day 3 (28-12-2020)
End of session 1Â 326-10 (lead by 131 runs) |Â End of session 2Â 65-2 (Trail by 66 runs) | End of session 3 (Stumps) 133-6 (lead by 2 runs)Â
After stumps, Pat Cummins 15* and Cameron Green 17* would be continuing to bat on day 4.Â
Day 4 (29-12-2020)
End of session 1Â Â 200-10 (lead by 69 runs) | End of session 2Â Â 70-2
India won the match by 8 wickets. India level the series 1-1.