Australian batter Steven Smith hit centuries in back-to-back Test matches. With the help of a century in the Melbourne Test, Smith set up a new all-time Test record for a batter against India. 

After scoring 101 runs in the first innings of the Gabba Test, where Steven Smith also scored four runs in the third innings of the Test match, the Aussie right-handed batter scored 140 runs off 197 balls in the first innings of the Melbourne Test with the help of 13 fours and three sixes. 

Watch: Centurion Steven Smith bowled in rare unlucky way

Steven Smith records most Test centuries against India

The century in the first innings of the Melbourne Test was Smith’s 11th Test century. With this Test hundred, Smith set a new record for most Test centuries by any batter against India. English cricketer Joe Root was the first batter to reach the 10 Test centuries milestone against India.

Most Test centuries against India

Joint fifth most Test centuries against a team

With his 11th Test century against India, Steve Smith reached the joint fifth place of the most Test centuries record by a batter against one team. Smith himself has the record of 12 Test centuries against England.

Most Test centuries by a batter against one team 

Steven Smith recorded 34th Test century

With his 34th Test century, Steven Smith is in second place for most Test centuries by any Australian batter. Only the legendary Australian cricketer Ricky Ponting has more Test centuries with 41 Test hundreds. 

Most Test centuries by an Australian batter

On the other hand, Smith’s 34th Test hundred helped him to move into the joint seventh place in the list of most Test centuries record.

Most Test centuries

Former Australian captain Steven Smith’s century guided the Australian team to a big first innings total against India in the Melbourne Test. However, Smith was bowled in a bizarre fashion, which we haven’t experienced before. 

It was the only third ball of the second session of the Melbourne Test, where Steven Smith lost his wicket for 140 runs. The right-handed batter stepped down against the Indian pacer Akash Deep and played a shot, which hit his pad and traveled to the wicket to knock off a bail. It was one of the unluckiest dismissals, and it happened to the best batter of the innings. Clearly, he was disappointed with that dismissal.

It was Akash Deep’s second wicket of the innings, who dismissed the wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey for 31 runs with the second new ball.

Watch: "Gully cricket khel raha hain kya", Captain Rohit Sharma hilariously scolds Jaiswal

Steven Smith's dismissal

Oh dear Steve Smith!

That is as bizarre as it gets 😳 #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/ZDUWggwBq4

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 27, 2024

Steven Smith recorded centuries in back to back Test match

While the first four Aussie batters scored 50+ runs in the first innings of the Melbourne Test, Smith is the only one of them to score a century. After some poor batting performances, the right-handed batter has finally found his form as he scored centuries in back-to-back Test matches. After scoring 101 runs in the Gabba Test, where he also scored four runs in the third innings, Smith completed his 34th Test century in style. 

Smith completed his 34th Test hundred in 167 balls. In his 140-run knock from 197 balls, which helped the hosts to score 474 runs in the first innings of the Melbourne Test, Smith hit 13 fours and three sixes. 

While Smith is now in joint seventh place in the most Test centuries list, his latest Test century was his 11th Test hundred against India, which is also a new record for most Test centuries against India. The right-handed batter is just 51 runs away from completing 10,000 Test runs, which has been achieved by 14 players, including three Australians. 

Former Indian captain Virat Kohli has been punished for his on-field action in the early period of the opening day of the crucial Melbourne Test against Australia. 

During the first hour of the first day of the Melbourne Test between Australia and India, which started on Boxing Day 2024, Virat Kohli had a shoulder bump with the debutant Australian opener Sam Konstas. It triggered a little argument before the umpires and another Aussie opener Usman Khawaja controlled the situation.

Virat Kohli received one demerit point along with match-fee fine

At the end of the day, Kohli has received a 20 percent fine of the match fees and one demerit point for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct. Kohli has been sanctioned by the Match Referee Andy Pycroft after the umpires (two on-field umpires, one TV umpire, and one fourth umpire) levelled the charge. As Kohli admitted his offence and accepted the proposed sanctions, there is no requirement for a formal hearing. 

During that controversial incident, criticised by some experts, Kohli breached Article 2.12 of the ICC Code of Conduct. The article relates to, “inappropriate physical contact with a Player, Player Support Personnel, Umpire, Match Referee or any other person (including a spectator during an International Match.”

It was Kohli’s first ICC Code of Conduct breach incident since 2020. Last time, he was penalised by the ICC for the 2019 Bengaluru T20I incident, where Kohli had an avoidable shoulder contact with the South African player Beuran Hendricks.

Recently, Siraj and Head also received one demerit point

During the day-night pink-ball Test at Adelaide Oval, which was the second game of the ongoing five-match Test series, Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj and Australian batter Travis Head had a heated moment while Siraj gave him a send-off. Both received one demerit point each, while Siraj also suffered a 20% of his match fees. 

What is the demerit point? How does it work?

The demerit points system was introduced in 2016 to punish the players who regularly breach the Code of Conduct. In other words, this system has been created to maximize fair play in the game.

The demerit points system has four levels, which we see below. All the demerit points are carried forward to 24 months, even if the player completes his punishment.

While we have just seen the four levels of demerit points, now we will see how the demerit points convert into the suspension points that lead to the match suspension for the accused player. 

From the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, we can also learn about the meaning of suspension points for international matches. 

• Two suspension points = A Test Match or any other International Match of at least four days in duration.

• One suspension point = A One-Day International Match or Twenty20 International Match

While the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 is entertaining, the opening day crowd of the Melbourne Test has just proved it. It set a new record for total attendance in one day of a Test match between Australia and India in Australia.

Experiencing a thrilling Test series

Before the ongoing Melbourne Test, which is the fourth match of the five-match Test series, the series is standing at 1-1. India won the Test series opener at Perth Stadium by 295 runs, and the hosts leveled the series by winning the second Test by 10 wickets at Adelaide Oval, which was a day-night pink ball Test match.

Gabba in Brisbane hosted the third game of the series. While rain interrupted the Test match heavily, it ended with a draw result.

Iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground is hosting its cultural Boxing Day Test, which is the fourth match of the Test series. After the Australian captain Pat Cummins won the toss, he chose to bat first. With the help of 50+ scores from the top four batters, hosts ended the opening day of the Test match at 311/6. 

Watch: "Gully cricket khel raha hain kya", Captain Rohit Sharma hilariously scolds Jaiswal

Attendance: 87,242

According to the official record, 87,242 people joined to experience the 2024 Boxing Day Test between Australia and India. It is the record number of attendance on a day of a Test match between Australia and India in Australia. 

Meanwhile, it was the third largest crowd gathering at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on the Boxing Day Test match. MCG CEO Stuart Fox believes that the Test match can attract about 2,50,000 cricket fans.

All-Time Boxing Day attendance records at the MCG:

The Boxing Day Melbourne Test 2024 was full of action between the hosts Australian batters and the visitors Indian bowlers. While the Test series has already produced thrillers, the Melbourne Test has been set up for another tough Test for both teams. 

Australian captain Pat Cummins chose to bat first after winning the toss. At the stumps of the opening day of the Melbourne Test, Australia scored 311/6, which is not a bad first innings total where the batters’ are facing uneven bounces on the opening day. 

Watch: Virat Kohli involved in a shoulder bump with debutant Sam Konstas

Australia got strong start with three 50+ partnerships

All the first three wickets set 50+ runs partnerships. The 19-year-old debutant opener Sam Konstas made a great start with his experienced opening partner Usman Khawaja. They had an 89-run partnership for the first wicket before Konstas, who completed his half-century in 52 balls, scored 60 off 65 balls with the help of six fours and two sixes.

After Ravindra Jadeja dismissed Konstas, Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne had a 65-run partnership for the second wicket, where Khawaja completed his half-century and scored 57 off 121 balls with six fours as Jasprit Bumrah took the opener’s wicket.

Three wickets for nine runs

Labuschagne then had another 83-run partnership for the third wicket as Australia were once controlling the game with the score of 237/2. However, Bumrah once again played a vital role with the ball as the hosts lost three wickets for nine runs. 

Washington Sundar got the breakthrough by dismissing Labuschagne for 72 runs off 145 balls, who hit seven fours in the innings. Later, Bumrah bowled the in-form Travis Head for a duck as the left-handed batter completely misjudged the delivery. In his next over, Bumrah dismissed Mitchell Marsh for only four runs as the Aussie all-rounder was caught behind. 

Akash Deep picked crucial wicket of Alex Carey

Suddenly struggling at 246/5, Smith and Alex Carey eased the pressure for the hosts. They had a 53-run partnership for the sixth wicket, and they mostly scored before the availability of the second new ball. With the second new ball, Akash Deep produced a great beauty on his first ball to dismiss Carey for 31 runs off 41 balls, who hit a six in the innings. 

At the stumps of the day, Smith was not out for 68 off 111 balls (five fours and one six), and captain Pat Cummins was not out for eight off 17 balls (one four).

Indian captain Rohit Sharma hilariously scolded Yashasvi Jaiswal during the opening day fielding of the Boxing Day 2024 Test in Melbourne. 

The fourth match of the five-match Test series Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 started on Boxing Day in Melbourne. While the series is currently at 1-1, both teams are desperate to at least save the Test series by winning the Melbourne Test as both teams are targeting to reach the Final of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship cycle.

The hilarious incident happened when the Indian left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja was bowling Steven Smith while the Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal was fielding at silly mid-off. The 22-year-old Jaiswal was even jumping when Smith was contacting the ball. Indian captain Rohit Sharma was understandably unhappy with Jaiswal. 

Niche baith ke reh: Rohit to Jaiswal

While Rohit was hilariously scolding Jaiswal, the Indian captain’s voice was clearly understandable as the slip fielder was near the stump mic.  

Rohit said to Jaiswal, “Arre Jaisu, gully cricket khel raha hain kya? Niche baith ke reh. Jab tak ball khelaga nehi, uthne ka nahi.” 

Stump Mic Gold ft. THE BEST, @ImRo45! 🎙️😂

The Indian skipper never fails to entertain when he’s near the mic! 😁#AUSvINDOnStar 👉 4th Test, Day 1 LIVE NOW pic.twitter.com/1fnc6X054a

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) December 26, 2024

Australia set up a strong start 

Hosts Australia started very well in the Melbourne Test as the first three wickets experienced 50+ partnerships. After the debutant Sam Konstas provided a good start by setting up an 89-run partnership for the first wicket with Usman Khawaja, Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne had a 65-run partnership for the second wicket. Also, then Steven Smith and Marnus Labuschagne put up another 83-run partnership for the third wicket. All the top four batters scored 50+ runs, where Konstas scored 60, Khawaja scored 57, Labuschagne scored 72, and Smith also completed his half-century later. 

The fourth Test match between India and Australia is set to commence on December 26, 2024, at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). This Boxing Day Test holds significant importance as the five-match series is currently tied at 1-1 after three matches, with valuable World Test Championship points at stake.

Pitch Report:

The MCG pitch has been a focal point in the lead-up to the match. Observations indicate a hint of green on the surface, suggesting that fast bowlers might find early assistance. However, as the match progresses, the pitch is expected to offer opportunities for batsmen, making it a balanced contest between bat and ball.

Historical Context:

The MCG has been a venue of mixed fortunes for both teams. In the previous series, the fourth Test at the MCG ended in a draw, with both sides showcasing formidable performances. Notably, Virat Kohli scored a century, and Ravichandran Ashwin achieved a five-wicket haul, highlighting the competitive nature of encounters at this ground.

Key Players to Watch:

• India: Captain Rohit Sharma, who recently surpassed 17,000 international runs, will be pivotal at the top of the order. Additionally, the bowling duo of Jasprit Bumrah and Ravichandran Ashwin, both in exceptional form, are expected to challenge the Australian batting lineup.

• Australia: Travis Head, coming off a stellar 140-run innings in the previous Test, will be a key figure in Australia's batting lineup. On the bowling front, the trio of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood have been in formidable form, posing significant threats to the Indian batsmen.

Match Significance:

A victory in this Test for either side would ensure they cannot lose the series, adding immense pressure and excitement to the contest. Both teams are expected to field their strongest XIs, aiming to gain an unassailable lead in the series.

Broadcast Information:

Cricket enthusiasts can catch the live action of the fourth Test match between India and Australia from December 26 to December 31, 2024. The first session for all matches is scheduled to begin at 5:00 AM IST.

As the cricketing world turns its attention to Melbourne, fans anticipate a thrilling encounter between two of the sport's powerhouses, each striving for supremacy in this closely contested series.

The highly anticipated 4th Test Boxing Day match between Australia and India kicks off on December 26 at the MCG, with over 2.5 lakh spectators expected to attend across the five-day series decider. On Day 1, around 70,000 to 80,000 fans are expected to fill the stands for this thrilling clash. As the year ends, this Boxing Day Test promises to be one of the most exciting and talked-about cricket encounters of 2024.

Australia’s Perspective

The hosts, Australia, enter the fourth Test brimming with confidence. After their victory in Adelaide and a dominant performance in Brisbane, they have looked formidable. Travis Head’s counterattacking innings, Alex Carey’s late cameos, Pat Cummins’ aggressive leadership, and Mitchell Starc’s fiery spells have all contributed significantly to the team’s success.

Despite Josh Hazlewood’s injury, his replacement, Scott Boland, has been outstanding and capable of delivering exceptional performances. Steven Smith’s century in the previous match has revived his confidence, while Marnus Labuschagne is due for a big innings, having showcased flashes of brilliance earlier during the Day-Night Test in Adelaide. However, concerns remain over the poor form of Usman Khawaja, Mitchell Marsh, and Nathan Lyon, who are yet to make a significant impact in this series.

India’s Perspective

In this series, KL Rahul and Nitish Kumar Reddy have been the only standout performers in India's batting lineup, while Ravindra Jadeja has made significant contributions, especially in the last match and during recent away series. However, batting consistency remains a concern, with the team struggling to post big scores in tough conditions.

Key players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Rishabh Pant need to step up, while youngsters such as Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal must take on greater responsibility. Additionally, in the bowling department, apart from Jasprit Bumrah, significant support is needed from Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj.

Probable Playing XI

Australia: Sam Konstas (debut), Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey (WK), Pat Cummins (C), Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, Nathan Lyon

India: KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma (C), Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Reddy, Akash Deep, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj / Prasidh Krishna

Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) Pitch Report

The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) features a drop-in wicket, a common practice in Australia to maintain the pitch's quality amidst various events held at the venue. According to the curator, the pitch typically has a grass cover of about 6mm, contributing to its characteristic bounce. Historically, the MCG has been known for its lively pitches, offering assistance to both batsmen and bowlers. In recent years, curators have strived to balance the pitch to ensure an even contest between bat and ball, making it an ideal setting for Test cricket.

Head-to-Head Record at the MCG

India and Australia have faced each other 14 times at the MCG, with the following outcomes:

• Australia Wins: 7

• India Wins: 4

• Draws: 3

India's victories at the MCG include:

• December 30, 1977: India won by 222 runs.

• February 7, 1981: India won by 59 runs.

• December 26, 2018: India won by 137 runs.

• December 26, 2020: India won by 8 wickets.

AUS vs IND 4th Test BGT 24-25 Prediction

The first day of the upcoming Test is expected to play a decisive role. The forecast indicates a hot day with temperatures reaching around 40°C, followed by cooler conditions and potential rain later in the match. The pitch on Day 1 is anticipated to be fresh and batting-friendly, although the first hour might pose challenges due to some residual moisture.

The team winning the toss will likely choose to bat first, aiming to post a big total and apply pressure on the opposition. Given the unpredictable weather and the nature of the MCG pitch, adapting to the conditions and making the most of the fresh pitch on Day 1 will be crucial. A strong start could give the batting team a significant advantage, setting the tone for the match.

The toss will be pivotal, as it could determine the direction of the game. If India wins the toss, they are expected to bat first, score heavily, and put pressure on Australia, ultimately increasing their chances of winning both the match and the series.

Indian Skipper Rohit Sharma attended the press conference today ahead of training in Melbourne before the Boxing Day Test which starts on 26 December. Skipper Rohit talked about the pitches Team India was given to practice in Melbourne. He said those pitches were used pitches for Big Bash. Today they got a fresh wicket to practice on and he said we will go and see the pitch and train accordingly.

Rohit on Series being tied at 1-1

Skipper Rohit Sharma said, "We have played some really good cricket. We have been fortunate that we won the Test in Perth. When you get bowled out for 150 runs you feel like you are under pressure. And then the attitude from the boys that they turned up and bowled out Australia for 104 shows up the attitude of not giving up till the last day of the Test match. When you tour abroad you know that you have to put those extra effort and some attitude as well which we showed in that Test match."

See Also:- ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Complete Fixtures Announced

"In Adelaide, we were a little bit behind the game. We didn't play well and I admitted that too. And then in Brisbane there wasn't much cricket only 180 and 90 overs were bowled. So, after three matches I had to look out at it being 1-1 it's a fair reflection of how both teams have played. Both teams have played solid cricket. The remaining two Tests are so important now for both teams. We want to break it down for just Melbourne now and we can focus on what we can achieve here. We should get our things right, play well, bat and bowl well, and take some good catches as well."

Rohit praises Bumrah's confidence and impact

Rohit Sharma on being asked about Jasprit Bumrah's impact on the series said, "It's very easy not say anything. Because he knows everything and he knows how he operates very plain and simple. He doesn't try to complicate things with his own stuff and keeps it nice and simple. He has so much belief in his skillset that there is not much discussion we need to have with him. I have been watching him for a long time. I have captained him for a long time so I know how he thinks. What he is trying to do makes it really easier for me not to think too much while he is bowling. Only because he is so clear in his mind. Whether he gets wickets or he doesn't he is so confident with his skillset that the conversations that happen during the game gives me that confidence that what the guy is trying to do. There is nothing much I can add there. So. it's very simple with him and it's always nice to have somebody like him in your team. When he is in such form the job of the other bowlers also becomes a little bit easier. All they need to do it to maintain that pressure. So, when it comes to Bumrah it is crystal clear ideas and plain and simple thoughts. It's nice to see that a lot of people from the opposition camp talk about him. How to handle him and stuff like that but usually those are the discussions that happen everywhere and like I said the impact he had on the series so far is massive. I hope he continues to do that because these two games are very very important for us."

Indian Pacer Mohammed Shami won't be added to Team India's squad for the last two Tests due to swelling in his left knee. BCCI released a press release regarding Mohammed Shami's fitness update after being asked by Skipper Rohit Sharma about the fast bowler's progress at the end of the Gabba Test.

The BCCI Medical team has been working closely with Mohammed Shami at the Centre of Excellence on his recovery and rehabilitation after his right heel surgery. Shami has completely recovered from this heel problem.

See Also:- Who is new Indian Test call-up Tanush Kotian?

BCCI Statement On Medical and Fitness Update of Mohammed Shami

Shami bowled 43 overs in the Ranji Trophy match for Bengal against Madhya Pradesh in November. Following this, he played in all nine games of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT), where he also engaged in additional bowling sessions on the sidelines to build his bowling volume in order to get ready for the Test matches.

However, his left knee has exhibited minor swelling due to increased joint loading from his bowling workload. The swelling is on the expected lines, owing to the increased bowling after a prolonged period.

Based on the current medical assessment, the BCCI Medical Team has determined that his knee requires more time for controlled exposure to bowling loads. Consequently, he has not been deemed fit for consideration for the remaining two Tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Shami will continue to undergo targeted strength and conditioning work under the guidance of the medical staff at BCCI’s Centre of Excellence and build his bowling loads needed to meet the demands of the longest format of the game. His participation in the Vijay Hazare Trophy will depend on the progress of his knee.