When is Team India's next match in BGT 2024-25?
The third Test of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) between India and Australia at The Gabba in Brisbane ended in a draw on Wednesday, December 18. The five-match Test thus remains level at 1-1.
In a match marred by numerous rain interruptions and long delays, Australia batted first and posted an impressive total of 445 on the board. Travis Head (152) scored yet another hundred, while Steve Smith (101) registered a much-needed ton. In response, India were staring at the follow-on at 213-9. However, Akash Deep (31) and Jasprit Bumrah (10*) ensured the visitors averted the follow-on.
Australia tried to push for a result on Day 5 by declaring their second innings on 89-7 after 18 overs, setting India a target of 275. India were 8-0 after 2.1 overs in response when rain again interrupted the proceedings at The Gabba and no further play was possible in the Test match.
India vs Australia 4th BGT 2024-25 Test: Date, Venue and IST timings
Both India and Australia will have everything to play for when they meet in the Boxing Day Test of BGT 2024-25 at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) starting Thursday, December 26. The fourth Test of the series will begin at 5:00 AM IST (10:30 AM local time).
Cricket Australia (CA) confirmed last week that tickets for the opening day of the blockbuster contest have been sold out. An official CA release read:
“All available public tickets for Day 1 of the NRMA Insurance Boxing Day Test have been sold. There will be a possible final release of a small number of public tickets on December 24 for non-members to get their seats."
The MCG has a capacity of accommodating 1,00,000 people and is one of the largest cricket stadiums in the world. The atmosphere on Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test is thus expected to be electrifying.
What is India's Test record at the MCG?
Team India have played 14 Tests in Melbourne, winning four and losing eight, while two matches ended in a draw. India's first Test win at the MCG was registered in December 1977 when they got the better of the Aussies by 222 runs. India then beat Australia by 59 runs in a close contest in 1981 as the hosts were bowled out for 81 in a chase of 143.
It wasn't until 2018 that India registered their next Test win in Melbourne. They beat the Aussies by 137 runs in the match and also registered a famous win by eight wickets in the 2020 Boxing Day Test.