Three memorable Boxing Day Tests in modern era
The BOXING DAY Test. It is always special. It is played after Christmas and played at a time when the year comes to a close. This year, two blockbuster Boxing Day Test matches will be played. India will take on South Africa at Centurion, while England and Australia will face each other at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). In this article, let us take a look at the 3 most iconic Boxing Day Test matches in history.
New Zealand vs Sri Lanka (Christchurch 2014)
This match witnessed absolute carnage from the willow of Brendon McCullum. Batting first, the New Zealand side posted 441 on the board, with McCullum going berserk, scoring a 134-ball 195. In reply, Sri Lanka were shot out for just 138, and were asked to follow on.
In the second innings, Sri Lanka displayed defiance, played out 154 overs, and were bowled out for 407. Dimuth Karunaratne scored a masterly 152 for the visitors. Sri Lanka avoided the innings defeat and set the Kiwis a target of 105. New Zealand romped home with 8 wickets to spare.
Australia vs India (MCG 2003)
Australia and India played out a superb Test match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in 2003. India batted first, and the Indian innings was all about just one man. Virender Sehwag ripped apart the Australian bowling attack, and scored a magnificent 233-ball 195, as India posted 366 on the board.
In reply, Australia scored a mammoth total of 558, with Ricky Ponting plundering 257. India were bowled out for 286 in the second innings, and that meant the Aussies needed just 95 for victory. The kangaroos romped home in style, winning the match with 9 wickets to spare.
Australia vs India (MCG 2018)
In this duel, the Virat Kohli led Indian side batted first and declared their first innings with the scorecard reading 443/7. Cheteshwar Pujara led the way with the willow with a superb 106. In reply, Australia were bowled out for just 151, with Jasprit Bumrah scalping a six-wicket haul.
India declared their second innings with the scoreboard reading 106/8, and set Australia a mammoth target of 399. The Aussies were bowled out for 261 in the chase, as India beat the kangaroos by 137 runs.
