OTD: India register 1st-ever Boxing Day Test win in Australia in 2018, beat SA in Centurion Test 3 years later
December 30: On this very day, Team India etched two remarkable chapters in their cricketing history with historic Boxing Day Test wins in a span of three years, Ahowcasing their prowess in SENA.
India’s victory at the MCG in 2018 signalled a turnaround in the narrative surrounding their international performances. It demolished myths and instilled hope that they could prevail in adversity away from home.
Similarly, the Centurion victory underlined India’s growing reputation in world cricket, demonstrating their versatility to a variety of playing conditions and opponents. These historic wins not only recognised the team’s brilliance but also the leadership and togetherness built under Kohli’s direction. His astute captaincy, together with the team’s joint efforts, opened the way for these historic victories.
The year 2018 marked a watershed moment for Indian cricket as they achieved their maiden Boxing Day Test victory on Australian soil. The match, which took place at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), saw India beat Australia by 137 runs, marking a historic win that had eluded them since 1981. This victory was part of a larger, more successful tour where India won the four-match Test series 2-1, becoming the first Asian team to win a Test series on Australian soil.
The standout performance came from Jasprit Bumrah, whose exceptional figures of 9 for 86, including a career-best 6 for 33, marked a historic feat for an Indian fast bowler on Australian soil. While Cheteshwar Pujara’s second century of the series and the impressive debut of opener Mayank Agarwal, who scored a noteworthy 76, added significant runs to India’s tally, it was Bumrah’s masterclass that turned the tide.
CENTURION TRIUMPH IN 2021
Three years later, India continued to showcase their prowess in overseas conditions by defeating South Africa in the Boxing Day Test at SuperSport Park in Centurion. On December 30th, 2021, India defeated the Proteas by 113 runs, further cementing their reputation as a formidable force in international cricket. The commanding display saw seamer Mohammed Shami spearhead the bowling attack, claiming eight crucial wickets, while opener KL Rahul scripted history with a splendid 123, registering the highest score by an Indian opener in South Africa.
Shami and Jasprit Bumrah orchestrated a bowling masterclass, showcasing impeccable seam and swing prowess that dismantled South Africa’s batting line-up, restricting them to 197 and 191 within a mere four days. Despite South Africa’s skipper Dean Elgar’s resilient knock of 77, lasting over four hours in the second innings, Bumrah’s early dismissal of him on day five paved the way for India’s dominance, leaving the opposition’s lower order with little resistance.