Australia will host India in a Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Australia are finally ready to beat the one team that has consistently troubled them in Melbourne.
The hosts have won their last three Test matches at the MCG. However, India has been the one persistent thorn in their side there. Australia have not beaten India in a Melbourne Test since 2011.
However, in the current ongoing series, Australia have proven that they are ready to go toe-to-toe with India again. They are currently the top-ranked Test cricket team in the world with India second.
Australia’s Improved Form at the MCG
Australia’s run of three straight wins in MCG Tests is one of their best in recent memory. Their golden generation featuring the likes of Ricky Ponting, Shane Warne and Brett Lee had a decade of uninterrupted wins in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
However, since South Africa ended that streak in 2008, the Baggy Greens did not have a run of three straight wins at Melbourne until now. This is a sign that Australian Test cricket could be on its way back to its best.
India’s Recent Struggles & Odds
India may have been able to go toe-to-toe with Australia so far in their ongoing series. However, they are still reeling from a 3-0 series loss to New Zealand. No longer as dominant as they once were, India is there for the taking at last if Australia can rise to the challenge.
This, coupled with the Baggy Greens’ home advantage, is the reason why Australia (1.65) are favourites for this MCG Boxing Day Test against India (2.65) A draw is on offer at 11.00, while online sports betting enthusiasts can also have a look at individual player markets.
Pat Cummins (2.70) is the favourite to be Australia’s top bowler while Steve Smith (3.85) is the favourite to be their top batsman in a Test which will require every bit of the hosts’ best qualities to secure a win.
