India lost the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Stadium by 184 runs. Australia took a 2-1 lead in the series.

The Boxing Day Test between India and Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Stadium ended with a dominating win for the hosts. After having a wicketless second session prior to the tea break on Day 5, India came back strong to take seven wickets in the final session.

The Indian batting line-up once again struggled against the disciplined bowling attack and were bowled out for just 155 runs in the second innings. As a result, Australia have bagged a win by 184 runs to take an unassailable 2-1 lead in the series.

This win has certainly boosted Australia's chances of winning the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after more than a decade and also booking a place in the World Test Championship 2023-25 final. India had their chances, and they would have liked a win, but their performance with the bat was one key reason that they had to surrender once again.

WTC 2023-25 Final: Australia firm their grip on the remaining place in the World Test Championship final with the MCG win

It was India's fifth loss in the last seven tests, which has put them on the verge of being eliminated from the race to the World Test Championship final. And now, the loss at the Boxing Day Test has hurt their chances to qualify to a big extent. South Africa have already made it to the final after winning the first Test against Pakistan in Centurion.

They are at the top of the WTC table with 66.67 PCT. The race is between Australia and India for the second spot. However, the loss at MCG has decreased India's chances more. Australia are second on the WTC table with 61.45 PCT, and India are placed third with 53.27 PCT now.