India vs Australia, Boxing Day Test: Melbourne weather forecast and MCG pitch report

India and Australia will once again go head to head at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) for the fourth Test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT). The highly anticipated contest will begin on Thursday (December 25) and as per Australia's Bureau of Meteorology, the heat conditions could break records in Melbourne. The weather conditions are likely to add more drinks breaks and force the Australian Cricket Board (Australia Cricket) to issue an advisory for fans. Australia's Bureau of Meteorology predicts that temperatures in Melbourne could reach 40 degrees Celsius on the first day of the fourth Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test.

The weather forecast for the fourth Test at the MCG is a mixed bag. On the opening day (December 26), there is a 50% chance of rain, with strong winds anticipated in the evening. Day 2 carries a similar risk, with possible morning showers. However, conditions are expected to improve from Day 3 onward, with only a 30% chance of rain. The fourth and fifth days are likely to have minimal chances of rain, offering better prospects for uninterrupted play.

In recent years, the MCG has focused on making its Test pitches more favorable for pace bowlers. Spinners are expected to play a key role later in the match. Interestingly, the venue offers no distinct advantage to teams batting first or second.

MCG won't have the bounce of Perth or the seam movement of Gabba but it will still be pace-friendly with 6mm of grass covering. Page (pitch curator) said it won't crack up enough to help the spinners.

"Seven years ago, we were quite flat, we want to create exciting an contest and exciting Test matches, so we will leave more grass, that brings the bowlers into equation. But it is still good for batting once the new ball goes off. We keep 6mm grass and we would monitor that as we get in," Page elaborated.

The decision to make it bowler-friendly was taken in 2017 after the MCG track was deemed as a flat deck.

"In 2017, we sat down as an organisation and discussed where we wanted to go and we agreed that it was about producing wickets for thrilling Test matches," he added.