What Is Boxing Day Test? A Look At Team India's Boxing Day Test Records

India has participated in nine Boxing Day Tests so far. The first encounter between India and Australia on Boxing Day took place in 1985, ending in a draw.

The five-match Test series between India and Australia is currently level at 1-1.

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The fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar series between India and Australia will be played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) from December 26, marking the much-anticipated Boxing Day Test. But what exactly is a Boxing Day Test, and how has India performed in this tradition?

A Boxing Day Test is held annually on December 26, the day after Christmas. The upcoming Test between India and Australia will be played on this date at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. While Melbourne typically hosts the Boxing Day Test, the tradition has since spread to other parts of the world.

The five-match Test series between India and Australia is currently level at 1-1. A victory for India in the upcoming 4th Test would give them a 2-1 lead and strengthen their chances of reaching the World Test Championship (WTC) Final.

India's Record in Boxing Day Tests:

India has participated in nine Boxing Day Tests so far. The first encounter between India and Australia on Boxing Day took place in 1985, ending in a draw. Australia then went on to win five consecutive Boxing Day Tests against India. However, in 2014, the match ended in a draw, and in 2018, India, led by Virat Kohli, claimed their first victory on Boxing Day. India followed that up with another win in 2020, marking back-to-back victories in this historic fixture.

Why is the Boxing Day Test Played?

Boxing Day, celebrated on December 26, is a significant holiday in Western culture, the day after Christmas. While many enjoy the holiday, those who work on Christmas Day are traditionally given gifts on Boxing Day. This tradition of gift-giving is the reason the Test match played on this day is known as the Boxing Day Test. The holiday is particularly popular in countries like Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, and Canada.

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