The Boxing Day Test between Australia and India is underway at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). With the series tied at 1-1 after a draw in the third Test, the fourth Test is a crucial decider. Australia batted first, putting up an imposing 474 runs, while India ended Day 2 at 164/5.
Day 3 saw over 78,000 fans in attendance, including a special guest—F1 driver Oscar Piastri. The Australian racing star not only attended the match but also took the wheel of the Buggy camera around the MCG.
Piastri, the fifth Australian to win an F1 Grand Prix, shared his pride in representing his country despite driving for the British McLaren team.
“I feel like I represent Australia when I’m driving. It’s a cool opportunity, and with Jack Doohan joining the grid next year, it’s great to have another Aussie,” he told Fox Cricket. He added, “Being in a British team, there’s always good banter, especially during the Ashes, but it’s amazing to represent Australia.”
Back on the pitch, India started Day 3 positively but suffered setbacks with Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja falling for 28 and 17 runs, respectively. However, Nitish Kumar and Washington Sundar steadied the innings with a vital eighth-wicket partnership of over 120 runs.
Their effort pulled India out of the follow-on danger. At the end of the 111th over, India stood at 348/8, trailing by just 12 runs after Sundar fell to Nathan Lyon’s bowling.