Team India gets set for a daunting task ahead, as it takes on Australia in the Boxing Day Test, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), from Saturday. India is trailing the four-Test series 0-1, as it looks to defend the Border-Gavaskar Trophy successfully, it won during its last visit, in 2018-19.
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As for the Boxing Day Tests, it has been an exciting tradition that is being played since 1913. The practise has also been followed in Australia since 1950.
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But, have you ever wondered how much do you really know about Boxing Day Tests? Here, we take a look at the stats and records of this traditional Test, from over the years.
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Highest individual score: To date, the highest personal score during this Test has been scored by South Africa's Gary Kirsten, who scored 275 against England, in Durban 1999. India's highest score lies with Sunil Gavaskar, scoring an unbeaten 236 against the Windies, in Chennai 1983. Meanwhile, Ricky Ponting holds the same for Australia, scoring 257 against India, in Melbourne 2003.
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Best bowling: As for bowling, the best record is held by England's Sydney Barnes, who scalped 9103 against South Africa, in Johannesburg 1913. For India, hardly anyone has an impressive record. Meanwhile, Ashley Mallett holds Australia's record, having claimed 859 against Pakistan, in Adelaide 1972.
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Most runs: The record for scoring the most runs during these Tests lies with Australia's Steve Waugh, who has scored 1,261 runs between 1985-2003 in 16 matches, at an average of 57.31, including three centuries. As for India, Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar holds the record, having scored 452 runs in six games, between 1991-2003, at an average of 37.66, including twin centuries.
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Most wickets: As for the most wickets, Australia's spin legend, Shane Warne has the best record of scalping the most, having claimed 43 wickets in nine games, at an average of 24.72, including a couple of five-wicket hauls. For India, it is Kapil Dev, who has claimed 22 in seven matches, at an average of 29.81, including twin five-fors.
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Team records: When it comes to the teams, it has generally been played by South Africa and Australia, before being later adopted by New Zealand. Meanwhile, Australia has played the most matches, as it holds the best record, having won 19 of 37 games, and losing seven. Unfortunately, India has really been unlucky, having played 12 such Tests and searching for its maiden win, having lost seven.
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Team records (Melbourne): The Boxing Day Test in Australia has traditionally been played at MCG. Naturally, Australia holds the record of winning 15 from 29 and losing six, while India has played four and lost three.
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