Indian Batsmen’s Test Centuries at the MCG: A Historic List

The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is one of the most famous cricket grounds in the world. Many Indian batsmen have made history at this ground by scoring centuries in Test matches. These centuries have come under challenging conditions, as Australia is known for its fast bowlers and tough pitches. But the MCG offers a balanced track, unlike the faster ones in Perth or Brisbane, which gives batsmen a chance to score runs. In this article, we will explore the test centuries scored by Indian batsmen at the MCG over the years.

Indian Batsmen’s Test Centuries at the MCG

1. Vinoo Mankad – 116 (1948)

Vinoo Mankad was the first Indian batsman to score a century at the MCG. He made 116 runs in the first innings of the 1948 Test. His innings, which included 13 boundaries, helped India reach a total of 291 runs. Despite his efforts, India lost the match by 233 runs.

2. Vinoo Mankad – 111 (1948)

Mankad continued his good form in the same series. In another Test at the MCG, he scored 111 runs in the first innings. However, India lost this match too, by an innings and 177 runs.

3. Sunil Gavaskar – 118 (1977)

Sunil Gavaskar, one of India’s greatest openers, scored a century at the MCG in 1977. His 118-run knock in the second innings helped India set a target of 387 runs for Australia. India won the match by 222 runs.

4. Gundappa Viswanath – 114 (1981)

In 1981, Gundappa Viswanath played a remarkable inning of 114 runs at the MCG. His performance helped India post 324 runs in the second innings. India went on to win the match by 59 runs, with Kapil Dev taking five wickets in the final innings.

5. Sachin Tendulkar – 116 (1999)

Sachin Tendulkar, India’s top run-scorer at the MCG, scored a brilliant 116 runs in 1999. His century helped India reach 238 runs in the first innings. Unfortunately, India lost the match by 180 runs.

6. Virender Sehwag – 195 (2003)

Virender Sehwag holds the record for the highest score by an Indian batsman at the MCG. In 2003, he scored 195 runs in the first innings. His explosive batting took India to 366 runs. However, India lost the match by nine wickets.

7. Virat Kohli – 169 (2014)

Virat Kohli was in top form in the 2014-15 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. He scored 169 runs on the third test at the MCG. His century helped India secure a draw in the Boxing Day Test, as it was his third century of the series.

8. Ajinkya Rahane – 147 (2014)

In the same series, Ajinkya Rahane played a fantastic inning of 147 runs. At 107/3, Rahane hit 21 boundaries and shared a 262-run partnership with Virat Kohli. This helped India reach 465 runs, and the match ended in a draw.

9. Cheteshwar Pujara – 106 (2018)

In 2018, Cheteshwar Pujara scored 106 runs at the MCG. His partnership with Virat Kohli helped India post a big total of 443 runs. India went on to win the match by 137 runs, marking a memorable victory in Australia.

10. Ajinkya Rahane – 112 (2020)

Ajinkya Rahane scored another century at the MCG in 2020 while leading the Indian team. His 112-run knock helped India gain a crucial 131-run lead in the first innings. India won the match by eight wickets, and Rahane was named Player of the Match.

List of Test Centuries by Indian Batsmen at the MCG

Conclusion

Indian batsmen have made remarkable contributions at the MCG over the years. From Vinoo Mankad’s first century in 1948 to Ajinkya Rahane’s century as captain in 2020, these milestones have added to India’s rich cricketing history. Despite the challenges posed by Australian conditions, Indian batsmen have consistently delivered outstanding performances at this iconic ground.

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