As the Border-Gavaskar Trophy continues to grip cricket fans, the focus shifts to the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), where India has a history of memorable performances during Boxing Day Tests. With the series delicately poised at 1-1, the need for a patient and gritty innings, akin to Hanuma Vihari’s 2018 effort, could be the key to India’s success in this crucial Test.
Lessons from Hanuma Vihari’s Brave Knock in 2018
In the 2018 MCG Test, Hanuma Vihari was thrust into the role of a makeshift opener under challenging conditions. Facing the searing pace of Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood, Vihari played a painstaking innings, consuming 66 deliveries for just eight runs. While his contribution on the scorecard seemed modest, his effort laid a strong foundation for India.
Vihari’s ability to absorb pressure allowed his fellow batters, including Mayank Agarwal and Cheteshwar Pujara, to capitalize later. Pujara went on to score a sublime century, and Virat Kohli added a patient 82. Together, the team batted nearly two days, posting a formidable 443 in challenging conditions. This effort ensured India could dominate the Test, securing one of the most important victories in their cricketing history.
The Current Challenge: Neutralizing Australia’s Bowlers
India’s batting lineup has shown flashes of brilliance but has struggled to consistently counter Australia’s potent bowling attack. Early wickets have been a recurring issue, with Yashasvi Jaiswal, in particular, falling cheaply in consecutive matches. To avoid exposing the middle order to the new ball, the Indian top order must adopt a more disciplined approach.
In the ongoing series, Travis Head has been Australia’s standout batter, often coming in when the new ball has lost its sting. His attacking play has exploited the weariness of the Indian bowlers, a strategy India would do well to counter by ensuring their top-order batters occupy the crease longer.
Who Can Step Into Vihari’s Shoes?
While KL Rahul has shown resilience, facing the most deliveries in the series so far, the onus is now on players like Jaiswal and Shubman Gill to emulate Vihari’s approach. Both players have the technical skills to succeed but must curb their instinct for expansive shots early in their innings.
Gill, in particular, holds the key at No. 3. If early wickets fall, his ability to weather the storm and bat long will be crucial in giving India’s middle order a platform to build upon. This will require a mindset shift—one that prioritizes patience and the value of each wicket over quick scoring.
The Importance of a Long-Term Approach
The hallmark of Test cricket is endurance and adaptability, qualities epitomized by players like Cheteshwar Pujara. While not everyone can replicate Pujara’s marathon innings, adopting Vihari’s unselfish, team-first mindset can be equally impactful. For India to succeed at the MCG, the top order must focus on batting time, allowing the middle order to capitalize on the softened ball and tired bowlers.
Can India’s Young Guns Deliver?
As the Boxing Day Test approaches, the spotlight will be on India’s young batters to rise to the occasion. With the series in the balance, a patient and determined effort could prove decisive. By drawing inspiration from Hanuma Vihari’s unsung heroics in 2018, India’s batting lineup has the potential to turn the tide in their favor and claim another historic victory at the MCG.
