WATCH: MCG's exciting transformation for Boxing Day Test vs India and beyond

Summer of Test cricket is almost knocking on the door as Cricket Australia braces for full-fledged action in the coming months ahead. Hence several venues gradually have their plans in place to prepare for the five-day-long cricket format.

In the same vein, one of the most iconic venues in the world of cricket is situated in Melbourne. The renowned Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) has already kickstarted its preparations for the upcoming cricket matches. Notably, some time back, the ground was hosting the Australian Football League (AFL). The key reason for that has been the fact that the venue boasts all the facilities for use in multiple sports. Hence, the grounds are not just limited to hosting cricket games. Several sporting activities are organized from time to time.

Currently, the MCG is transforming the venue is all set to welcome some high-octane clashes involving the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 edition. Notably, Australia are to host Team India in what will be a gruesome Test series for both teams. Besides the Indian team, the Aussies are also looking forward to another Asian nation in the form of Pakistan and then they will host an exciting Ashes cricket summer as well where England Women will clash with Australia Women.

Hence, in the latest development, the ground staff of the MCG was spotted removing the AFL poles and then working on laying the drop-in pitches which will be used when the Green Shirts aka Pakistan will visit the venue to play in the limited-overs format against Australia. They are all set to take the field on November 4. Following that, the 'A' sides of India and hosts Australia are scheduled to lock horns with each other on November 7. Notably, the game will be a four-day affair.

Also Read- Border Gavaskar Trophy is always fiercely competitive, and it always feels like it's 50-50: Pat Cummins

Australia to host Boxing Day Test against India at the MCG

Following the suit, a mega Test cricket battle will take place when the Indian team tours the Kangaroo nation and they will kickoff their campaign down under from November 22, later this year. However, as far as Melbourne Cricket Ground is concerned, the venue will host Australia and India in the special annual event called- The Boxing Day Test. The spirited Indian side will take the field on December 26 for this blockbuster fixture.

Also Read- What is Boxing Day Test? Everything You Need to Know

While, as mentioned above, Australia will start The Ashes cricket summer with a special Day-Night Test against England on January 30, 2025. For the unversed, the day-night Test fixtures are being played by a Pink ball instead of the traditional red cherry.