The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is heating up with on-field duels and off-field drama. Siraj-Head clashes and Kohli-Jadeja controversies add spice as all eyes turn to the Boxing Day Test at the historic MCG!

The Gabba Test brought mixed emotions for Indian fans as Ravichandran Ashwin announced his retirement from international cricket. With 537 wickets in 106 Tests, the legendary spinner leaves an unmatched legacy. His absence will be profoundly felt by cricket fans everywhere.

Australia dominated the first innings of the Brisbane Test, posting 445 runs, thanks to stellar knocks from Travis Head and Steven Smith. India faced early trouble but avoided the follow-on, with KL Rahul’s composed 84 and Ravindra Jadeja’s crucial 77 leading the fight. Lower-order contributions from Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep ensured India crossed the follow-on mark.

India fought back brilliantly with the ball in Australia’s second innings. Jasprit Bumrah led the charge with three wickets, while Siraj and Akash Deep grabbed two each. Australia declared with a session to go, hoping for a result, but rain intervened, ending the match in a draw.

India’s recent record at the MCG is impressive. In 2020, Ajinkya Rahane’s brilliant century and Shubman Gill’s strong debut guided India to an eight-wicket win, kickstarting a remarkable series comeback. In 2018, India clinched a crucial 137-run victory, a key moment in their historic series triumph.

India faces concerns ahead of the Boxing Day Test, with captain Rohit Sharma suffering a knee knock during practice, leaving fans hoping it’s nothing serious. Tanush Kotian, the Mumbai off-spin all-rounder, has been named as R Ashwin’s replacement in India’s squad for the fourth and fifth Border-Gavaskar Trophy Tests.

The MCG pitch for this Test looks greener than usual, favouring the bowlers and setting up an exciting contest. With a spot in the World Test Championship Final at stake, both teams will leave no stone unturned. India will look to continue their recent successes at the MCG, while Australia aims to turn the tide in their favour.