The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), one of the world's most iconic stadiums, is set to be packed to the rafters for the highly anticipated Boxing Day Test between Australia and India and is expected to witness a record footfall.
With a massive capacity of 90,000, the MCG has been completely sold out for the December 26 match.
A record-shattering turnout is expected for the upcoming 4th Test with with over 86,000 fans likely to witness the cricket's biggest rivals face off. However, it would not be a surprise if Indian fans with their unwearying support, chants and flags dominate the stands more than the Australian fans.
Interestingly this isn’t just speculation, as Australia opener Usman Khawaja shared some lasting memories of Australia vs India's last encounter at the MCG, humorously recalling massive support for the India national cricket team.
"The funny thing is, when we play in Melbourne, it feels like an Indian home game. I played in Melbourne last time, and there were so many people supporting India. I remember the announcer urging everyone to cheer for Australia, but the crowd made less noise. Then, when he asked them to cheer for India, the noise was incredible. I was like, ‘Are we in Delhi or the MCG?’ It can be funny because you get a lot of Indian supporters in Australia, and it can feel a bit weird being the home team," Khawaja told Star Sports.
Regarding India's record in Boxing Day Tests, the visitors won their last two tours and drew one. However, India lost 8 matches out of 14 played at the MCG and drew two.
Meanwhile, India's next match against Australia will mark a new chapter the one without the veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin in Tests. On the other hand, the hosts made several changes in their squad as they dropped and brought in Sam Konstas. Australia also added Sean Abbott, Beau Webster and Jhye Richardson to the squad.