The fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar series between India and Australia takes place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) from December 26; it is going to be the iconic Boxing Day Test. This much-awaited affair is tied to a fine cricketing tradition, so what exactly is a Boxing Day Test, and how have Indians fared in this affair over the years? What is a Boxing Day Test? The Boxing Day Test is an cricket match played on December 26, the day after Christmas. Traditionally played at the MCG, this has become a must-have for cricketing calendars. Even though it began in Melbourne, Countries like South Africa, New Zealand, and England have adopted the tradition. India and the Boxing Day Test India has played in nine Boxing Day Tests. Their maiden match on this day came in 1985 with Australia, where the test ended in a draw. Australia continued their dominance the following years with five victories in a row against India. However, India brought the change under Virat Kohli, winning its first Boxing Day Test in 2018. It was later followed by another win in 2020 under the leadership of Ajinkya Rahane, marking consecutive successes at the MCG. In 9 Test matches played by India on the Boxing Day at the Melbourne, the visitors have won 2, drawn 2 and have lost five. This records displays India's rise in Test cricket over the years. Also Read | Jadeja snubs Aussie journalist, sparks media outrage Current Series Status Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 has been tied at 1-1, so it becomes important for both the teams to win this match. In case of a win in the fourth Test, India would get a 2-1 lead and enhance its possibilities to reach the WTC Final. Why it is called as Boxing Day Test? Boxing Day is a holiday celebrated on December 26 in countries like Australia, South Africa, and Canada. It has been the day for gifting workers who worked on Christmas Day. The name itself gives a clue about this tradition, and the cricket match played on this day is known as the "Boxing Day Test.