India’s Historic Test Match Feats at Melbourne Cricket Ground

The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), a bastion of cricketing tradition, has seen some of the most riveting encounters in cricket history. For the Indian cricket team, the MCG has been a stage where grit, perseverance, and brilliance have resulted in memorable wins and hard-fought draws. Here is a look at India's iconic performances at the MCG, focusing on victories in 1977, 1981, 2018, and 2020, as well as drawn matches in 1985 and 2014.

1977: The First Triumph. Chandra mesmerises Aussies 

India recorded their first Test victory at the MCG during the 1977-78 series under the leadership of Bishan Singh Bedi. This was a crucial third Test of the series, and the Indian team performed exceptionally to defeat the Australian side led by the veteran 42 year old Bob Simpson. Bhagwat Chandrasekhar's magical leg-spin, coupled with determined batting by Sunil Gavaskar ( century in 2nd innings -118) and Mohinder Amarnath (72 & 41) , helped India script history by winning the match by 222 runs.

India in the first innings recovered from 0/2 to post 256 courtesy solid middle order batting led by Amarnath (72) & Viswanath (59). Chandra's devastating bowling cut short Aussies at 213 . Gavaskar 118 took India to 343 in the 2nd innings .  Chandra was unplayable again as Aussies slumped to 164 allout chasing a mammoth 387. 

1981: Kapil Dev’s sensational bowling heroics

Four years later, in 1981, the Indian team, under Sunil Gavaskar's captaincy, clinched another historic victory at the MCG. The match is remembered for Kapil Dev's remarkable spell in the second innings despite battling a strained thigh. Defending a modest target of 143, Kapil's inspired bowling saw Australia collapse for just 83 runs, handing India a thrilling 59-run victory. This win ensured that India leveled the series and remains one of the finest examples of resilience in Indian cricket.  Viswanath's gallant  114  took a vulnerable India to a modest 237 in the 1st innings . Dazzling batting by Greg Chappell (76) , Allan Border (124) & Doug Walters (78) helped Aussies to 419 and a massive 182 run lead . Indian batters led by Gavaskar (70) & Chauhan (84) fought valiantly to reach 324. With 143 to win on a weary pitch India struck early blows as the Aussies slumped to 24/3 on day 4 . On the final day an injured Kapil Dev returned to demolish Australia as  they slumped sensationally to 83 to lose unexpectedly by 59 runs.

1985 :  Aussies escape with a Borderline draw 

India were the stronger team in the 1985 series and dominated the MCG test from day one . Greg Mathews valiant 100 took Aussies to 262 in the 1st innings as the Indian spinners dominated . India piled on 445 with strong batting performance led by Srikkant (86) , Vengsarkar (75) , Kapil Dev (55) , Amarnath (45) & Shastri (49) . Australia lost regular 2nd innings wickets but skipper Allan Border (163) stood like a rock to deny India as Australia crawled to 308 . Despite Border's heroics with only 126 to win India looked all set to win at 59/2 but consistent rain in the final session deprived India of a 3rd successive win at the MCG . 

Post 1985 , India lost every test at MCG they played in the subsequent tours till 2014 .

2014: A Test of Character

The 2014 Boxing Day Test, captained by MS Dhoni in his final Test, ended in a valiant draw. Batting 1st Steve Smith's  marathon 192 took Australia to 530  . Indian batters fought back well  Virat Kohli (169)  and Ajinkya Rahane (147)  produced one of India's most iconic partnerships at the MCG, taking the fight to the Australian bowlers. Their counterattacking 262-run stand showcased India's evolving approach in overseas Tests. India reached 465 . Shaun Marsh 99 and other contributors helped Aussies to reach 318/6 declared to give India a 384 target . India looked in some danger of losing but  Ravichandran Ashwin’s gritty batting on the final hour along with Dhoni ensured the draw (India 174/6)  reflecting India's never-say-die spirit.

2018: The Dawn of a New Era, Bumrah magnificent 

After a long drought of Test wins at the MCG, the Virat Kohli-led Indian team broke the shackles in the 2018 Boxing Day Test. Cheteshwar Pujara's (106) monumental century & Kohli (82) knock helped India to 443/7 declared  . Jasprit Bumrah's fiery bowling performance was the cornerstone of this victory. Bumrah's 6/33 in the first innings rattled the Australian batting lineup as they were skittled out for 151 . India declared their second innings at 106/8 to set a daunting target. The bowlers then ensured a historic 137-run victory, leading India to an eventual series win—their first-ever Test series triumph on Australian soil. Bumrah took 9 wickets in the match .

2020: Ajinkya Rahane’s Masterclass

The 2020 Boxing Day Test marked another golden chapter for India at the MCG. Following the infamous 36 all-out in the preceding Adelaide Test, India, led by stand-in captain Ajinkya Rahane, showcased remarkable resilience. Rahane’s century was an exemplary display of leadership and skill, steering India to a commanding position. The bowling unit, led by debutants Mohammed Siraj and Shubman Gill’s spirited contributions, sealed an 8-wicket win.

Bumrah (4 wickets ) & Ashwin (3 wickets) dismissed Australia for 195 in the first innings . Then followed India's resilience led by the gallant Rahane hundred (112) to take to tourists to 326 . Indian bowlers combined superbly to dismiss Aussies for 200 in the second innings and India duly completed a fabulous 8 wicket win chasing down 70 for victory .

 This victory was pivotal in India's comeback, leading to a historic series triumph at the Gabba.

Conclusion

Whether India can win their 3rd successive test match at the gigantic MCG and gets a hat trick of wins  remains to be seen . They missed a well deserved hat trick in 1985 through sheer bad luck , but this could be their moment .

The MCG remains a special venue for Indian cricket, symbolizing moments of glory and resilience. Each match, whether a victory or a draw, represents a unique chapter in India's journey towards establishing their prowess on foreign soil. These encounters are not just victories and draws but benchmarks of India's cricketing legacy, inspiring generations to come.