Player of the Match Pat Cummins of Australia poses with the Mullagh Medal during day five of the fourth Test in the series between Australia and India at Melbourne Cricket Ground on December 30, 2024
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Bagging crucial wickets and delivering critical runs, Pat Cummins has been in the thick of things. After winning the fourth Test against India, the Australian captain was all smiles during a chat with the media at the Melbourne Cricket Ground here on Monday (December 30, 2024) evening.

“I reckon this (victory) is right at the top. Yeah, Edgbaston (2023) was pretty special and I reckon this is pretty much on par,” Cummins said while reflecting on the latest triumph.

Asked about how he manages to contribute both as a batter and bowler, Cummins quickly deflected the attention: “One of the things I love about our group is that there are so many people who want to be the match winner. Today (Mitchell) Starkey, (Nathan) Lyon, (Scott) Boland and myself, were pumped for the day. Same with the batting group. We love playing at home, we love Tests and this was one of the bigger ones.”

Talking about the strategy for the final day, the host skipper explained: “Felt we needed atleast 300. We got 90 odd overs, and that gave us 12 overs potentially with the second new ball. We had a good first session and it kind of took the win out of the equation for them. We could really go in for the attack.”

Asked about Jasprit Bumrah, Cummins said: “He has been their most influential player. I thought all their bowlers bowled really well yesterday (Sunday). He in particular poses the biggest threat.”

The speedster also praised debutant Sam Konstas: “As a nineteen-year-old, the bravery he showed on the opening day, I felt it was unreal. He has that no-fear mindset, revs up the crowd and doesn’t shy away from any contest.” And as for plans for the next few days? “A mix of happiness and rest,” Cummins quipped.

Fans watch on during day five of the Men’s fourth Test in the series between Australia and India at Melbourne Cricket Ground on December 30, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia.
| Photo Credit: Getty Images

Over the last five days, all roads led to the G, as the Melbourne Cricket Ground is fondly referred to. And it was no surprise that audience-records were shattered along the way.

A total attendance of 3,73,691 was recorded during the fourth Test involving Australia and India. It is the highest ever for a Test in Australia and according to a Cricket Australia press-release, the latest numbers ‘surpassed the previous mark of 3,50,534 from 1937, where fans saw Don Bradman’s Australia defeat England in a six-day Test.’

The note also mentioned that the 74,362 turnout on Monday, was the highest final day attendance ever in Australia.

“Thank you, Melbourne. An Australian cricketing record, an MCG record and history made,” Cricket Australia tweeted.

In terms of Boxing Day Tests, the previous record was 271,865 during the 2013-14 Ashes, according to AFP.