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India aiming for third win at MCG

By Mohandas Menon

The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) has a rich history and tradition. Although the trees and flower beds that once ringed the ground have been replaced by massive concrete stands, the MCG, the venue for the first ever Test in March 1877, has retained its prestigious position as a venue that is second only to the Lord's, London.

The Melbourne Cricket Club, which administers the MCG, began its operations in 1853. First-class cricket began here in March 1856 and since then, it has hosted over 600 matches. Since 1877, 95 Tests have been played here with the home team having won 52 and lost 28. In 1956, the MCG had the distinction of staging the Summer Olympic Games. In fact, it remains the only cricket ground in the world to host the Games.

The MCG, which can accommodate about 100,000 spectators has hosted eight Tests involving India, which has won two (its most wins on any Australian ground), lost five, and drawn one. The Indians played here in 1948 (twice - India lost both, by 233 runs and innings, and 177 runs), in 1968 (lost by an innings and four runs), in 1978 (won by 222 runs), in 1981 (won by 59 runs), in 1985 (drawn), in 1991 (lost by eight wickets) and in 1999 (lost by 180 runs).

In all 155 individual hundreds have been scored at this ground. Australian Bob Cowper's 307 against England in February 1966 is the highest individual score, while West Indian Viv Richards' 208 in December 1984 is the highest by a visiting batsman. Four Indian batsman have made five hundreds at this venue, with Vinoo Mankad making 116 and 111 in two Tests in 1948. Sunil Gavaskar's 118 in 1977 is the highest by an Indian at this ground.

Pakistani Sarfraz Nawaz's nine for 86 in March 1979 is the best bowling performance at this ground, while leg-spinner Arthur Mailey's nine for 121 against England in February 1921 was the best for the home team. Bhagwat Chandrasekhar, who twice took six for 52 (12 for 104 in the match) in January 1978, has the best bowling figures for India.

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