What is Boxing Day Test? Check out India's overall record in Boxing Day Test Matches

India and Australia will lock horns in the Boxing Day Test match on December 26 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The series is tied at 1-1.

India had a hard-fought draw at the Gabba in Brisbane, which has helped them to enter the fourth test with the series poised at 1-1. The fourth test between India and Australia will be played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, which will start on December 26. It will be the Boxing Day Test, which is the showpiece of this summer.

This game is very important for both teams because whoever wins this can't lose the series. If India wins this game, they will retain their Border-Gavaskar Trophy, and their chances to qualify for the World Test Championship final will increase.

India will be confident heading into this game as they have won the last two tests played at the MCG against Australia. But this could be different as India are struggling with the form. So, can they get over the line in the Boxing Day test? Here we will check about this unique test and India's record in it.

IND vs AUS: What is Boxing Day Test match?

The Boxing Day test is always a showcase of any test series that is being played between December and January. It is referred to as a test match that starts after Christmas (December 25). It is generally conducted mainly in Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. The Test match earned its name since it is usual in churches to open boxes of gifts after Christmas Eve.

IND vs AUS: India's overall record in the Boxing Day Test Match?

India played their first-ever Boxing Day test against Australia back in 1985. That ended in a draw. Overall, India have played nine Boxing Day test matches so far in Australia. Australia have been pretty successful and have won five matches overall. India have secured two wins while two games have ended in a draw. Below you can see India's record in the Boxing Day Test overall, which includes matches at home against all opposition.

• 1967: Australia beat India by 146 runs in Adelaide.
• 1979: India vs. Pakistan in Kanpur ended in a draw.
• 1981: India vs. England in Delhi ended in a draw.
• 1983: India vs. West Indies in Chennai ended in a draw.
• 1987: India vs. West Indies in Kolkata ended in a draw.
• 1985: India vs. Australia in Melbourne ended in a draw.
• 1991: Australia beat India in Melbourne by 8 wickets.
• 1992 South Africa beat India by 9 wickets in Gqeberha.
• 1996: South Africa beat India in Durban by 328 runs.
• 1998: New Zealand beat India in Wellington by 4 wickets. 
• 1999: Australia beat India in Melbourne by 180 runs.
• 2003 Australia beat India in Melbourne by 9 wickets.
• 2006: South Africa beat India in Durban by 174 runs.
• 2007 Australia beat India in Melbourne by 337 runs.
• 2010: India beat South Africa in Durban by 87 runs.
• 2011: Australia beat India in Melbourne by 122 runs.
• 2013: South Africa beat India in Durban by 10 wickets.
• 2014: India vs. Australia in Melbourne ended in a draw.
• 2018: India beat Australia in Melbourne by 137 runs.
• 2020: India beat Australia in Melbourne by 8 wickets.
• 2021: India beat South Africa in Centurion by 113 runs.
• 2023 South Africa beat India in Centurion by an innings and 32 runs.

India have won the last two tests at MCG, and they will look to make a hat trick of it. Ravichandran Ashwin made a shocking retirement after the third test, and India have not announced his replacement in the squad for the final two games yet.

Also Read: Stats Preview: India's Record at the MCG in Test Cricket Ahead of the Fourth IND vs AUS Test