The upcoming Boxing Day Test in Melbourne sees India hoping to capitalize on the potential mental fatigue of the Australian team after the Christmas holidays. The article analyzes how the festive period might affect the Australians' focus compared to the Indian team who recently faced a similar challenge during Diwali.
Last month was Diwali , the Hindu New Year, which is celebrated with great fervour and joy all over India . In one of the rare scheduling faux pas in recent times, the third Test match between India and New Zealand was also scheduled during this time. India lost in three days, marking the first time that they had failed to win a single Test in a series at home.
With the Diwali celebrations going on simultaneously, it must have been difficult for the Indian players to focus on the game when they would be longing to be with family and friends. The Melbourne Test starts on Boxing Day as it has traditionally for many years now and India would be hoping that it will be challenging for the Australians to get their minds and focus back on playing cricket after spending quality time with their family and loved ones during the Christmas period.The last time India played on Boxing Day four years ago, they were done a favour by the Australian captain, who opted to bat first on a pitch that had more grass on it than in the previous Test match at Adelaide – where India had been shot out for their lowest score in Test cricket. It is infinitely harder for batters to get their minds around to playing after festivities than for the bowlers. Bowlers can make mistakes and still come back, but batters can be in the dugout after their first mistake so it does make more sense to settle into the game by fielding first. India would love to bowl first as they did four years back when Jasprit Bumrah ripped through the Australian batters.to open the batting after Nathan McSweeney was dropped to make way for Sam Konstas. McSweeney had said after the Adelaide win that he hoped to land a few punches at Bumrah. He didn’t even get within two arm’s lengths to tickle him. Now he will have to wait a few years to make another attempt.There was some derision in the Australian cricketing fraternity that the India dressing room celebrated the Akash Deep shot with whic
Cricket India Australia Boxing Day Test Diwali
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, Thailand: The 2004 Boxing Day tsunami 20 years onThe Boxing Day tsunami interrupted a civil war, triggered the worst rail accident in history and shattered the lives of millions. Twenty years on, those who escaped certain death share their stories.
Read more »
Australia's Travis Head enjoys career turnaround four years after Boxing Day failure against IndiaEnjoying career-best form ahead of the Boxing Day Test, Travis Head barely recognises the batter who walked out onto the MCG four years ago against India.
Read more »
Boxing Day tensions rise again after India’s latest media stunt at the MCG7NEWS brings you the latest local news from Australia and around the world. Stay up to date with all of the breaking sport, politics, entertainment, finance, weather and business headlines. Today's news, live updates & all the latest breaking stories from 7NEWS.
Read more »
Sam Konstas confident he's ready to face India after Boxing Day Test call-upSam Konstas is excited about the prospect of making his Test debut at the MCG, describing his elevation to Australia's squad as an 'amazing journey'.
Read more »
Conspiracy denied: MCG curator defends practice pitches used by India, promises pace on Boxing DayIt’s been an eventful week for India since the tourists landed in Melbourne, the latest issue the state of the MCG practice pitches used by the tourists in their opening training sessions.
Read more »
Conspiracy denied: MCG curator defends practice pitches used by India, promises pace on Boxing DayIt’s been an eventful week for India since the tourists landed in Melbourne, the latest issue the state of the MCG practice pitches used by the tourists in their opening training sessions.
Read more »