Know the weather forecast and pitch report of the Melbourne Cricket Ground aka MCG ahead of the 4th IND vs AUS test in 2024
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy stands delicately poised at 1-1, setting the stage for the iconic Boxing Day match, commencing on December 26th. Both India and Australia are eager to seize the advantage ahead of the series finale in Sydney. This pivotal encounter at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) carries immense significance, as a victory here could provide critical momentum leading into the World Test Championship final in June.
Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) pitch report, weather forecast, test records and stats for IND vs AUS 4th match 2024
India holds fond memories of the MCG, having secured a remarkable eight-wicket win during their last visit in December 2020, under Ajinkya Rahane’s leadership, despite the challenges of a Covid-affected tour. However, history leans in Australia’s favor for Boxing Day clashes against India, with the hosts boasting five wins and two draws from their initial seven encounters.
BGT 2024 India vs Australia: MCG test weather forecast and head-to-head records
The highly anticipated IND vs AUS 4th Test match will take place at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) from December 26. Melbourne’s weather forecast ahead of the Boxing Day Test reveals an intense start, with Day 1 expected to be the warmest Boxing Day ever recorded, as temperatures are set to soar to 39 degrees Celsius. While such heat could make for a challenging opening day, the overall forecast for the match looks promising.
Empty now, but not for long.
What's your Day 1 crowd prediction? 🔮 pic.twitter.com/tol30bKD4K
— Melbourne Cricket Ground (@MCG) December 23, 2024
Day 2 is expected to bring cooler conditions, with a top temperature of 25 degrees and a 50% chance of light showers, though only 0-1mm of rain is predicted at this stage. AccuWeather’s predictions align, suggesting minimal disruption due to rain. Days 3 to 5 are forecast to remain favorable, with temperatures peaking at around 27 degrees. However, as always, Melbourne’s famously unpredictable weather could still surprise, though the current outlook is optimistic.
Turning to the pitch report and venue stats, the Melbourne surface has historically been challenging for teams batting last, with only three wins in the past 15 Tests. India’s eight-wicket victory here in 2020 stands as a notable exception. As the match progresses, the pitch is expected to wear out, potentially developing cracks due to the warm and sunny conditions, which could bring spinners into the spotlight.
However, Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) curator Matt Page has ruled out spinners playing a big role in the Boxing Day Test of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy between Australia and India and said the pitch would resemble recent test matches, with an even grass covering.
For Australia, Nathan Lyon’s performance will be crucial as he looks to make a significant impact in the series, especially with Mitchell Marsh’s limited bowling options. Meanwhile, India will rely on Ravindra Jadeja’s accuracy to exploit the conditions, and the team might even consider adding another spin option for this crucial game under Rohit Sharma’s leadership.
India’s Record At the MCG
Result summary: 4 wins, 8 defeats, and 2 draws in 14 Tests.
Highest total: 465 all out in 128.2 overs against Australia, December 2014.
Lowest total: 67 all out in 24.2 overs (8 balls/over) against Australia, February 1948.
Biggest win (by runs): India beat Australia by 222 runs in December 1977.
Biggest win (by wickets): India beat Australia by 8 wickets in December 2020.
Most runs: 449 runs in five Tests by Sachin Tendulkar.
Highest score: 195 runs from 233 balls by Virender Sehwag against Australia, December 2003.
Highest average (min 5 innings): 73.80 by Ajinkya Rahane (369 runs in three Tests).
Most 100s: 2 centuries each by Ajinkya Rahane and Vinoo Mankad.
Most 50s: 3 half-centuries in five Tests by Sachin Tendulkar.
Most ducks: 3 zeros each by Ajit Agarkar and Bhagwath Chandrasekhar.
Most sixes: 5 maximums in two Tests by Virender Sehwag.
Most wickets: 15 wickets in two Tests by Jasprit Bumrah.
Best bowling figures (innings): 6 for 33 in 15.5 overs by Jasprit Bumrah vs Australia, December 2018.
Best bowling figures (match): 12 for 104 in 34.1 overs (8 balls/over), December 1977.
Most five-wicket hauls: 2 fifers each by Bhagwath Chandrasekhar, Kapil Dev, and Anil Kumble.
Most 10-wickets in a match: 1 10-fer by Bhagwath Chandrasekhar.
Most dismissals: 17 (14 catches, 3 stumpings) by MS Dhoni.
Most catches: 6 catches in five Tests by Sachin Tendulkar.
Highest partnership: 262 runs for the 4th wicket between Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane, December 2014.
Most matches: 5 Tests by Sachin Tendulkar.
Most wins as captain: 1 win each for Bishan Singh Bedi, Sunil Gavaskar, Virat Kohli, and Ajinkya Rahane.