The iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is swiftly transforming to host an electrifying summer of cricket, featuring matches with India’s men’s team, Pakistan’s men’s team, and England’s women’s team. In preparation for the cricket season, the MCG is removing AFL poles and setting up drop-in pitches.

The international cricket action begins on November 4, when Pakistan takes on Australia in a white-ball series. Soon after, India A will battle Australia A in a four-day match starting November 7. The highlight of the season is the much-anticipated Boxing Day Test between India and Australia, starting December 26.

Adding to the excitement, the Women’s Ashes will feature a thrilling Day-Night Test between Australia and England, starting on January 30, making it a blockbuster summer of cricket.

India look for hat-trick of series wins

Back in 2018-19, India won a Test series for the first time on Australian soil. Thereafter, in 2020-21, India also claimed the series. India lost the opening Test after the infamous Adelaide Test where they were restricted to 36 in the second innings.

Virat Kohli left after the Adelaide Test due to personal reasons, following which Ajinkya Rahane, who is not a part of the current Indian setup, took charge. The MCG Test was a memorable one for India as Rahane scored a hundred and guided his team through to the win by eight wickets.

In the last Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground, Rishabh Pant’s heroics on the last day helped India win the match and the series. India’s upcoming tour of Australia is scheduled to start on Friday, November 22 at the Perth Stadium.

India will play a Day-Night Test in Adelaide, followed by the red-ball matches in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney.