Thu Dec 26 08:56:39 UTC 2024: ## Boxing Day Test Sees Record Crowd as India and Australia Clash

**Melbourne, Australia – December 26, 2024** – The Boxing Day Test match between India and Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) shattered attendance records, drawing a crowd of 87,242 spectators – the largest ever for an India-Australia Test in Australia. The enthusiastic fans witnessed a thrilling first day’s play, contributing to a memorable atmosphere.

Australia, batting first, ended the day on 311/6 after 86 overs. Debutant Sam Conis was a standout performer for the Aussies, scoring 60 runs. Marnus Labuschagne also contributed significantly with 72 runs, while Steve Smith (68*) and Pat Cummins (8*) remained unbeaten at the close of play. Jasprit Bumrah was India’s most successful bowler, taking three wickets.

The match is crucial for both teams, with the winner securing a 2-1 lead in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series. The high attendance underscores the intense rivalry and widespread interest in the series across both nations.

**Other News:**

* **Indian Cricket Team Year in Review:** A summary of the Indian cricket team’s successes and setbacks in 2024 is anticipated (details pending).
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* **Viral Video:** A video showing the aftermath of an Azerbaijan plane crash is circulating online.
* **US-Canada Tensions:** US President Trump called Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau a “crazy leftist” amid ongoing tensions between the two countries.
* **Train Delays:** 18 trains, including the Duronto, Purva, and Sampark Kranti Express, experienced significant delays in Delhi.
* **Tragedy in Haridwar:** Two children from Gujarat drowned in Haridwar.
* **Snowfall in Himachal Pradesh:** Heavy snowfall in Himachal Pradesh has closed 134 roads, including national highways, stranding thousands of tourists in Manali.
* **IRCTC Website Issues:** Users are reporting difficulties booking train tickets through the IRCTC app and website.
* **Film News:** ‘Squid Game 2’ released to great fanfare; Shiva Rajkumar underwent surgery in the US; the Kapoor family enjoyed a Christmas lunch; and ‘Pushpa 2’ is outperforming ‘Bhediya’ at the box office.
* **Cricket News:** Virat Kohli accepted responsibility for an incident during a match and revealed his revised game plan. Kohli also received an ICC sanction for a confrontation with Sam Conis. Steve Smith broke a long-standing record previously held by Javed Miandad. An unnamed England cricketer hit six consecutive sixes in one over.
* **Other Stories:** A dead animal was found in the wheel well of a plane in Chicago; fighting intensified between armed rebels and Assad supporters in Syria; and various other news items concerning politics, religion, business, and entertainment were reported.

This report includes only the major highlights from the provided text. Further details on each story would need to be obtained for a more comprehensive news report.

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