BGT 2024-25: Indian cricket team's record in Melbourne in test cricket

The fourth BGT 2024-25 test will be played in Melbourne.

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 is evenly poised at 1-1 after three captivating games. While India dominated the series opener in Perth with a commanding 295-run victory, Australia bounced back in Adelaide to win by 10 wickets in the pink ball encounter.

The third test in Brisbane, which was marred by rain on all five days, saw Travis Head continue to be a thorn in India’s side with another brilliant century (152). For the visitors, the inclusion of Ravindra Jadeja proved productive, as the all-rounder contributed 77 valuable runs, helping India avoid the follow-on.

The headline of the Gabba test was the retirement of veteran Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin. The Indian legend bid farewell to the game as the second-most successful Indian test bowler with 537 wickets to his name.

As the action shifts to Melbourne for the fourth test, India will hope for a better performance from their top order, whereas Australia will keep a close eye on senior batters Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne who have been out of runs so far.

On that note, let’s look at how the Indian team have fared in Melbourne so far in test cricket.

Indian cricket team’s record in Melbourne in test cricket:

India have played a total of 14 test matches at the MCG, Melbourne. Out of these, they have won four, lost eight, and drawn two. India’s wins in Melbourne came in 1977, 1981, 2018 and 2020.

India have played at the MCG in 1948 (twice), 1967, 1977, 1981, 1985, 1991, 1999, 2003, 2007, 2011, 2014, 2018 and 2020.

India registered their first win at the MCG in 1977. Opting to bat first on a seaming wicket, Mohinder Amarnath carried India to first innings total of 256 runs. Craig Serjeant, with his innings of 85 runs, led Australia’s reply to help the hosts put 213 on the board.

In their second innings, India scored 343 runs, setting up a huge 387-run target for the Aussies. BS Chandrasekhar starred for the visitors with 6/52 to seal a 222-run victory on the final day.

India next triumph at the MCG came in remarkable comeback victory in 1981. Trailing by 182 runs in the first innings, the visitors put up a strong batting performance to post 324 runs in the second innings.

Kapil Dev starred for India, picking up 5/28 on the final day to wrap up a thrilling 59-run victory. Gundappa Viswanath was named Player of the Match for his 144 runs across the test.

India had to wait 37 years for their next test victory in Melbourne. The Virat Kohli-led Indian team outplayed Australia in the Boxing day test in 2018. Batting first, India posted 443/7d, thanks to Cheteshwar Pujara’s brilliant 106. In response, Australia were bowled out for just 151 runs.

Pat Cummins inspired Australia’s fightback in the second innings reducing India to 106/8. However, the 399-run target proved too steep for the Aussies, who were bowled out for 261. Jasprit Bumrah was named Player of the Match for his nine wickets in the game.

The most recent victory for Indian team in Melbourne came on their last tour in 2020. After being bowled out for 36 runs in Adelaide, India fought back with a sensational performance in Melbourne.

India bowled out Australia for 195 before captain Ajinkya Rahane led India’s charge with the bat, scoring 112 runs in the first innings. Trailing by 131 runs, the Aussies managed only 200 runs in the second innings. India chased down the 70-run target with ease, securing a dominant eight-wicket win.

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