Last Updated on 3 weeks by Charbel Coorey
The upcoming Boxing Day Test between Australia and India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground is unarguably the most awaited red-ball game of the year. With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 currently 1-1, both teams would want to win this Test and gain the upper hand. The winner of this Test would ensure that they can’t lose the series, with India retaining the trophy.
It Is to be noted that the Indian captain was the first batter to be seen in the nets. Moreover, he looked steady and determined. However, Sharma copped a blow on his left knee while training on Sunday, but shall seemingly still be fit to play the fourth Test according to ESPNcricinfo. In the meanwhile, Kohli looked focused and was addressing his issues pertaining to the fourth stump line, where he’s been vulnerable for quite a while now.
Scott Boland clone – Virat Kohli bats against mystery bowler in MCG nets
However, the most noticeable aspect was the presence of a mystery bowler. A new face was seen bowling to Kohli at full speed. Apparently, it seemed like he was imitating Scott Boland’s bowling action.
In all likelihood, India were using him to negate the threat of Scott Boland at the “G”, and was continuously bowling at Kohli. Thus, the Indian batters didn’t want to take any chances, and faced him in the nets for a pretty long period of time.
An important point to be noted is that Scott Boland has a tremendous record at the MCG. The pacer has picked 10 wickets at an average of 13.8 at his home ground.
Post which, the likes of Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill were also seen batting. Despite struggling against the first few balls he faced, India’s number 3 batter of this series slowly found his rhythm, and looked focused later on.
As a matter of fact, even Mohammed Siraj and Akashdeep Singh were seen batting in the nets. Despite the controversial open net session in Adelaide, several fans came to watch India’s net sessions on Saturday and Sunday at the MCG. This is mainly due to the fact that the training nets in Melbourne are located at such a place that enables any passing individual to easily look at it from the top.
Lastly, Jasprit Bumrah, Siraj, Akashdeep and Prasidh Krishna were also seen bowling. As the Karnataka pacer was visibly active throughout the session, there’s a good chance of him featuring in the fourth Test. Recent reports suggest that Krishna shall be replacing Nitish Kumar Reddy in the fourth Test. On first look, the pitch conditions at the MCG seem to be pace-friendly with abundant bounce and seam on offer, but very hot conditions could see the surface settle down quite quickly.
Taking into account Melbourne’s unpredictable weather, the first two days are expected to be bright and sunny, and the possibility of slight drizzles is only expected from day three onwards. However, that too is very unlikely.
With Australia missing out on a win in Brisbane, they’d want to settle the scores, and win the Boxing Day Test. On the other hand, the visitors would be aiming to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy by winning the upcoming Test.
