Top 5 best knocks by an Indian in a Test at MCG before BGT 2024-25 4th Test ft. Virat Kohli
The Indian cricket team is gearing up to face Australia in the fourth Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 Test in Melbourne, beginning Thursday (December 26).
Compared to the venues for the first three Tests, it is expected that India will find it relatively easier playing in Melbourne given the conditions on offer. The visitors have played 14 Tests at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) before the start of the fourth BGT 2024-25 Test and have four wins, eight defeats, and two drawn results.
The last time the two teams clashed in a Test at the venue was during India's tour in 2020/21, where the Ajinkya Rahane-led side completed an eight-wicket victory. With the current series level 1-1, the upcoming Test is being highly anticipated.
Historically, Indian batters have done well in Melbourne with several brilliant individual performances over the years. Ahead of the fourth BGT 2024-25 Test, let us relive some of the top knocks by Indians in Test matches at the MCG.
Top 5 best knocks by an Indian in a Test at MCG before BGT 2024-25 4th Test
#5 Sunil Gavaskar (118, 1977-78)
Among India's greatest batters of all time, Sunil Gavaskar played a massive role in their memorable 222-run win in the third Test in Melbourne in 1977-78. He was bowled for a duck in the first innings as the visitors posted a total of 256 runs. However, the bowlers responded brilliantly to bundle Australia out for just 213 runs.
Gavaskar then bounced back to lead the charge in the second innings with a match-winning century. He scored 118 runs off 285 deliveries, striking 12 boundaries, single-handedly guiding the visitors to a total of 343 runs as Australia were set a target of 387.
The hosts suffered a massive defeat and Gavaskar's ton was a major contribution to the visitors' win.
#4 Ajinkya Rahane (112, 2020-21)
Ajinkya Rahane captained India during their win at the MCG during the previous tour in 2020-21. He not only led as the skipper but also with the bat, leading the way forward.
After bowling Australia out for 195 in the first innings, the visitors put up a total of 326. They were in some trouble at 116/4 but Rahane held the fort at one end, slamming a patient 223-ball 112, batting for 359 minutes. He scored 12 boundaries before being unfortunately run out.
The visitors recorded a historic eight-wicket win and for his terrific ton under pressure, Rahane was also adjudged the 'Player of the Match.' Notably, Rahane also scored a ton during the MCG Test in 2014-15.
#3 Virat Kohli (169, 2014/15)
Virat Kohli truly unleashed himself in Test cricket during the 2014-15 tour of Australia with his incredible performances with the bat. During the third Test in Melbourne, Virat struck a magnificent ton, leading India's fight.
Taking the attack to the bowlers, Kohli top-scored with 169 runs in the second innings. His knock comprised 18 fours, coming off 272 deliveries. Kohli displayed courage and determination, taking on the likes of Mitchell Johson, Ryan Harris, and Josh Hazlewood.
He struck a fifty in the next innings as well and the visitors were able to draw the Test, thanks to his heroics with the willow.
#2 Sachin Tendulkar (116, 1999-2000)
Sachin Tendulkar, the legendary Indian cricketer, held a stellar record in Tests in Australia, smashing six tons Down Under. Among those, one came in Melbourne during the second Test of the 1999-2000 tour.
Australia put up 405 runs in the first innings. In response, the visitors were bundled out for just 238 runs. Where all other batters failed, Sachin stood tall with a fighting century, scoring 116 runs off 191 deliveries, spending 283 minutes at the crease. His patient knock included 9 fours and a six as well.
However, Australia continued to dominate and eventually won the game by 180 runs. Despite this, Sachin was adjudged the 'Player of the Match' for his fighting effort.
#1 Virender Sehwag (195, 2003-04)
Among India's finest and most fiery openers, Virender Sehwag has the highest Test score in a single innings by an Indian at the MCG. His thrilling performance during the 2003-04 third Test gave the visitors something to cheer in an otherwise disaapointing outing as they lost the game by nine wickets eventually.
In the first innings, Sehwag smashed 195 runs off just 233 deliveries, smacking 25 fours and 5 sixes as well with a strike-rate of 83.69. He fell agonizingly short of a well-deserved double-hundred. However, he thorughly entertained with his splendid knock at the MCG.
Despite his heroics going in vain as India lost the Test, it is remembered as one of his best performances in red-ball cricket.