Fourth Test between India and Australia in Melbourne, all eyes on Virat Kohli and Team India

The much-awaited fourth Test match between India and Australia will be played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) from December 26. After three matches of this five-match series, both the teams 1-1 Are on par. In the first Test played in Perth, India registered a spectacular victory of 295 runs, while in the second day-night Test in Adelaide, Australia won by 10 wickets. The third Test was drawn at the Gabba, and now both teams will be in Melbourne looking to take the lead in the series.

Virat Kohli: Melbourne’s hero

Virat Kohli’s performance in Melbourne has always been in the news. When he last appeared on this field, he played an unforgettable inning of 82* runs against Pakistan in the 2022 T20 World Cup.

• 2022 T20 World Cup: Virat’s innings against Pakistan is counted among the best innings in history. His batting in front of a crowd of 90,000 spectators led India to a seemingly impossible victory.
• Now in the Test format, Virat’s fans are hopeful that their favorite batsman will again perform brilliantly at the MCG.

Keeping an eye on Kohli’s form in the fourth test

• Virat Kohli scored a century in the first Test in Perth, but has since scored only 26 runs in five innings.
• Kohli’s record at MCG is excellent. In three Tests, he has scored 316 runs at an average of 52.66, which includes one century and two half-centuries.

Melbourne: India’s lucky ground

The Melbourne ground has been lucky not only for Virat Kohli but also for the Indian team.

1. 1978: On this ground, India had won by 222 runs for the first time on Australian soil.
2. 2018-19: Under the captaincy of Kohli, India won the Border-Gavaskar Trophy by winning in Melbourne.

Kohli’s boxing day test record

• Virat played his first Boxing Day Test in 2011, in which he could not contribute much.
• 2014: Under the captaincy of Dhoni, he played a brilliant inning of 169 runs and made a partnership of 262 runs with Ajinkya Rahane.
• 2018: Last time playing in Melbourne, Kohli had scored 82 runs in the first innings. However, he was out for zero in the second innings.

Kohli’s popularity in Melbourne

• Kohli’s photographs are prominently displayed at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) and the Australian Sports Museum.
• Guides and locals refer to them as “Kohli’s Conquerors”, reminiscent of India’s 2018–19 series win.

expectations of fans

• Saloni (Gujarat): “Virat’s aggression and fitness is fantastic. I am sure he will rock in Melbourne.”
• David (MCG Guide): “The India-Australia Test is the most exciting. However, we hope that Virat’s bat remains calm this time.

Other prominent players of India

• Jasprit Bumrah: The fast bowler’s excellent form has been the key to India’s success in Australia.
• Ravichandran Ashwin: His role will be important in the spin department.

Melbourne historical figures

• Players who have scored the most runs at MCG for India:
  • Sachin Tendulkar: 449 runs in 10 matches.
  • Ajinkya Rahane: 369 runs in six matches.
  • Kohli (316 runs) is behind these two.