Australia vs India 2018/19: 5 reasons why India won the Melbourne Test

A Boxing Day Test is always a significant event in the cricketing calendar. Even in this year, the Boxing Day saw three Test matches being played in the Southern Hemisphere. The most riveting contest of the lot saw India take on Australia at Melbourne. A much important game in the context of the series, Day 1 at Melbourne witnessed more than 70k crowd to mark another fascinating game in prospect.

India won the toss and Kohli decided to bat first, despite a tempting tinge of green on the pitch. India batted two new openers in Hanuma Vihari and debutant Mayank Agarwal. The duo gave India their best start in the series so far, in trying to nullify the effect of the new ball. The wicket behaved in a much contrasting way as the run scoring became more difficult as the Test match went along.

The visitors pummelled the hosts with a huge score of 443 in their first innings especially forcing the Aussies to field more than 150 overs. Australia saw their batting woes continue in the series as they were bundled out for a paltry 151 with less than three sessions. Jasprit Bumrah's fiery spell inspired a quick batting collapse for the home team.

Though Aussies came back hard in their attempt to push the tourists on the backfoot, a lead of 292 runs was in itself a mountain to climb for the fragile batting order. India declared their innings at 106 for 8, leaving the hosts with a target of 399 to take a 2-1 lead in the series.

However, it was not to be, as Indian bowlers proved too good for the Aussie batting lineup. India secured an easy win by 137 runs as the hosts were rattled by some menacing bowling by the Indian fast bowling trio.

Here's a look at five possible reasons which inspired an Indian victory:

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#5. Dropped catches cost Australia

Kohli was dropped by Paine on Day 1

It is one of those times when you don't wish to be an Australian fan. Though the team has shown signs of determination, it is never enough to win games of cricket spanned over five days. One can imagine a dip in batting or an off-day in bowling but Aussies are always known to be born- athletes, who don't commit errors in the field.

But it was a different story altogether in this game at Melbourne. They dropped as many as four catches in the first innings to dent their confidence after India manage to see them in the field for nearly two days. Kohli was dropped by wicket-keeper Paine at the end of Day 1, denying Mitchell Starc a much-deserving wicket in his menacing spell of fast bowling.

Lyon was the unlucky guy who suffered three drop catches off his bowling. Rohit Sharma was given a reprieve by substitute fielder Peter Siddle, while Travis Head failed to grab on a bat-pad off Ajinkya Rahane. Even Rishabh Pant was dropped at long-on by Pat Cummins.

#4. The fragile Australian batting lineup

Shaun Marsh has failed to perform

Before the series began, all talks surrounding India's chances to claim the first series win down under was mainly escalated due to the fact of Australia's fragile batting lineup. The fact they don't possess the services of two of their most successful batsman, it was always about the youngsters who can step up to the task.

However, they have failed to rise to the expectations of their fans and the well-wishers of Australian cricket. Even in this Test match, they couldn't get the better of the Indian bowlers, who came hard at them to account for an easy win at the end.

The top-order did absolutely nothing to show any signs of staying at the crease. Indian bowlers were all over the hosts, bundling them out for a mere 151 in the first innings. The most dependable batsman in the lineup, Usman Khawaja has disappointed with his inconsistency to hold one end up.

#3. Mayank Agarwal shines on debut

Agarwal received appreciation for his efforts in the Boxing Day Test

Coming on this tour, India had three openers in Prithvi Shaw, Murali Vijay and KL Rahul to don the opener's role. However, at the end of the second Test at Perth, Shaw was back home and the Vijay-Rahul duo had done enough to be left out of the third Test. As a result, India had to open with an altogether new opening duo in Hanuma Vihari and Mayank Agarwal.

Both the players, opening for the maiden time at this level, were impressive, especially the debutant Agarwal. He looked at ease even against the best fast-bowling attack in the world. He not only did enough to justify his selection but also protected the No.3 and 4 from getting exposed to the new ball.

During his well composed 76 on debut, Mayank showed his skills on how to tackle the Lyon-threat. He was confident with his shots and for never looked out of sorts at such level. To add to his first innings score, he made a commanding 42 in the second innings in testing circumstances.

#2. Cheteshwar Pujara stands tall

Pujara proved his worth yet again

There's no denying the fact that when Virat Kohli was at the center of things even before the Test series began, it has been Pujara as the actual difference between the two sides in the three matches so far. He was the chief architect of India's victory in the first Test at Adelaide, scoring 194 runs in a match-winning cause.

Pujara continued the good work even in this match. He made the bowlers toil hard for his wicket and played an ideal Test match innings for his side. He took more than 300 deliveries for his 106 on a wicket which was deteriorating as the match went along.

He has been the backbone of India's batting lineup for a long time now. When he was criticized for his incapability to score in overseas conditions, he has slammed the critics by two centuries so far in the series so far.

#1. Bumrah's fiery bowling too good for the Aussies

Bumrah has been the pick of the bowlers

It was not much long ago when Jasprit Bumrah made his Test debut for India against South Africa in January this year. Ever since, he has emerged as India's frontline seamer even in the red-ball format. He has accounted for most wickets this year in Tests for India. In such a short period of time, he has emerged as Kohli's go-to man.

Even in this Test series, he has made all the difference with the bowling. He continued the good work with his accurate and fiery spells. It was a treat to watch Bumrah bowl as he ripped through the Australian batting lineup. He registered his best Test figures of 6 for 33 in the first innings to help India gain a commanding lead of 292 runs.

The pick of the Indian bowlers so far in the series, Bumrah has 20 wickets to his name in the three Test matches.