The Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024 is almost wrapping up, with just two Tests left to go. Right now, the series is tied at 1-1, after the third Test in Brisbane ended in a rain-affected draw. The fourth Test is set to take place at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, which can hold 90,000 fans and is completely sold out. The Boxing Day match is expected to draw in a record crowd of over 86,000 cricket lovers.

As the next Test approaches, Aussie opener Usman Khawaja reminisced about his last game in Melbourne and how the Indian team had a huge fan following cheering them on.

Khawaja: Playing in Melbourne Feels Like an Indian Home Game

He mentioned to Star Sports, “It’s pretty amusing how when we play in Melbourne, it feels like we’re at home in India. Last time I was there, the support for India was overwhelming. I remember the announcer trying to get the crowd to cheer for Australia, but it was pretty quiet. Then he asked everyone to cheer for India, and the noise was just wild. I thought, ‘Are we in Delhi or at the MCG?’ It’s kind of funny because there are so many Indian fans in Australia, making it feel a bit odd to be the home team.”

India has had a solid track record at this venue lately. They’ve won the Boxing Day Tests in their last two visits and drew one before that. Overall, India has played 14 Tests at the MCG, securing four wins, losing eight, and drawing twice.

The Test in Melbourne is set to kick off on December 26, and both teams will be looking to take the lead. India will be missing Ravichandran Ashwin, who recently announced his retirement from international cricket after the Brisbane Test. On the other hand, young opener Sam Konstas is expected to make his Test debut, partnering with Usman Khawaja after stepping in for Nathan McSweeney.

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