Fri Dec 27 13:53:06 UTC 2024: ## Boxing Day Test: Australia Dominates, India Trails Heavily; Women’s Cricket Sees Easy Victories
**Melbourne, Australia** – A stark contrast marked the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) compared to the record-breaking crowd two years ago. While 90,293 fans roared for Virat Kohli in 2020, this year’s match saw a vastly different narrative unfold, with Australia firmly in control against India.
At the close of Day 2, India trailed by a massive 310 runs. Australia’s dominance was further highlighted by Pakistan’s 49-run deficit and Afghanistan’s staggering 534-run shortfall in other matches. The Australian bowlers exploited Indian weaknesses, with Pat Cummins finding a new batting position and Mitchell Boland dismissing Virat Kohli. Steven Smith, meanwhile, delivered a stellar performance, reaching a new personal best. Rohit Sharma, on the other hand, had a disappointing outing.
In stark contrast to the Test match struggles, the women’s matches at the MCG saw resounding victories for India, Myanmar, and the Philippines. India Women defeated their opponents by 5 wickets with 130 balls to spare, Myanmar Women by 5 wickets with 7 balls remaining, and the Philippines Women by 7 wickets with 21 balls to spare.
First Piper 