New Delhi: As the Indian team prepares for the crucial Boxing Day Test starting on December 26 in Melbourne, the players were seen practicing on the turf at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. During the practice session, which was open for visitors in the stands, a touching moment occurred when a differently-abled young boy was spotted watching the Indian players from a balcony.
In a heartwarming gesture, Rishabh Pant, the star Indian wicketkeeper-batter, noticed the boy and made his way over to have a brief interaction with him. In a conversation that was clearly audible, Pant was heard saying, “I hope you are having fun in your life and always be happy,” as he spoke to the young fan.
The video of this thoughtful exchange quickly surfaced online, and fans were quick to praise Pant for his kind and genuine gesture. The Indian wicketkeeper’s display of compassion has been widely appreciated, further endearing him to his supporters.
The upcoming Boxing Day Test is a crucial encounter in the ongoing series, as a victory here could provide vital momentum leading into the World Test Championship final in June.
India has prior experience at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), with their most recent Test there being in December 2020. Despite the challenges posed by the Covid-affected tour, India, under the leadership of Ajinkya Rahane, triumphed by eight wickets.
Australia has traditionally dominated Boxing Day Tests against India, winning five out of the first seven encounters, with two draws. However, India has won the last two Boxing Day Tests at the MCG in 2018 and 2020, indicating a possible shift in momentum at this iconic venue.
Overall: Australia leads with 46 wins to India’s 33, with 30 draws and one tie.
In Australia: Australia has 31 wins, India 10, and 14 draws.
In the last 10 years, Australia has secured eight wins (five at home, two away, one neutral), while India has nine wins (four at home, five away). There have been seven draws (five in Australia, two in India).
Top Run-Scorers
Overall: Sachin Tendulkar leads with 3630 runs, followed by Ricky Ponting (2555), VVS Laxman (2434), Virat Kohli (2168), and Steve Smith (2166). Ricky Ponting has the most runs (1893), followed by Sachin Tendulkar (1809), Virat Kohli (1478), VVS Laxman (1236), and Steve Smith (1206).
Top Wicket-Takers
Nathan Lyon leads with 124 wickets, followed by Ravichandran Ashwin (115), Anil Kumble (111), Harbhajan Singh (95), and Ravindra Jadeja (89). In Australia, Nathan Lyon has 63 wickets, with Jasprit Bumrah on 53, followed by Kapil Dev (51), Pat Cummins (49), Mitch Starc (49), and Anil Kumble (49). This Boxing Day Test promises to be a crucial contest as both teams will be looking to gain an upper hand before the next phase of the series.
