India faced a tough day on Day 3 of the Boxing Day Test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, but their determination ensured they remained in the fight despite mounting challenges. Chasing Australia’s imposing first innings total of 474, India fought hard to reduce the deficit to 116 runs by the close of play. However, after the loss of three quick wickets towards the end of Friday's play, it seemed as though the visitors were heading toward an inevitable defeat at the historic MCG.
In a tense scenario, Nitish Reddy emerged as India’s beacon of hope. The middle-order batter played a solid, composed innings of 105* off 176 balls, displaying remarkable resilience under pressure. His knock included 10 boundaries and a six, and he ensured India stayed afloat in the match despite the mounting pressure. What made Reddy’s contribution even more significant was his partnership with Washington Sundar, who provided vital support with a gritty 50. Together, the two forged an important 127-run stand for the eighth wicket, helping India to reach 358/9 by the end of the day, still trailing Australia by 116 runs but with just one wicket remaining.
At this stage, with more than 100 runs still needed to match Australia’s total and only one wicket left in hand, India faces a daunting challenge. The prospect of India conceding a first-innings lead and still going on to win a Test match on Australian soil is rare, but it raises an intriguing question: Has India ever won a Test in Australia after giving away a first-innings lead?
This scenario has occurred only once in Indian cricket history—43 years ago, in February 1981, when India pulled off an unexpected victory at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. On that occasion, after being bowled out for 237 in their first innings, India found themselves trailing Australia by a massive 182 runs. With a steep target ahead, the Indian team was up against the wall. However, it was Kapil Dev’s iconic five-wicket haul in the second innings that turned the match on its head. India’s bowlers bundled out Australia for just 83 runs, and despite defending a modest target of 143, the visitors achieved an unlikely 59-run victory. This historic triumph remains the only instance in which India won a Test match in Australia despite conceding a first-innings lead.
While there have been instances where India has put up strong resistance after trailing in the first innings, the 1981 win remains unique. Another notable moment came in January 2008 at the Adelaide Oval, when India conceded a first-innings lead to Australia but managed to save the match with strong resistance. However, that game ended in a draw rather than a win for India.
For Australia, the match is far from over. With two full days left, they have ample time to finish off India’s last wicket and set a target that could prove too steep for the visitors to chase. Australia, under the leadership of Pat Cummins, will aim to wrap up the final Indian wicket quickly and then construct a target that puts the match out of India’s reach. Taking a 2-1 lead in the five-match series is crucial for the home side, and they are well aware that the outcome of this Test could set the tone for the rest of the series.
India, on the other hand, will focus on building as many runs as possible with their remaining batsmen before taking the field again to bowl. The challenge for India is not just to avoid conceding a significant lead but also to post a competitive total that could give their bowlers a fighting chance. The outcome of this Test match could have a major impact on India's hopes for the series. With only one Test win in Sydney back in 1978, India knows that winning at the MCG would be a monumental achievement, and the pressure on them to deliver a strong performance is immense.
The Melbourne Test is shaping up to be a pivotal one for both teams, with significant implications for the remainder of the series. Both Australia and India will leave no stone unturned in ensuring they emerge victorious from this crucial encounter. The outcome of the match could well decide the trajectory of the series, making this Test one of the most important in recent history.
