Not many cricket fans would know the significance of a Boxing Day Test, which usually begins at the Melbourne Cricket Ground a day after Christmas, December 26. It has a huge historical significance which many are unaware of.

It is well known, that Christmas as a festival is about celebration as well as donating to the poor. From ancient times, charity, or donation in a box, mostly cash, is deposited in a box. Whatever is collected from it is used to donate as gifts to the poor and needy.

The practice continues, in India as well, where a charity box is kept outside even the most historic Sacred Heart Cathedral in New Delhi. Even now, there is a box to donate, which will be used for charity.

Shift to the MCG, images from hot and sunny Melbourne reflect joy as the Aussie team members are there with their families. Even as most of the countries shiver in the cold during Christmas, Melbourne is hot.

Over the next five days, starting December 26, the India versus Australia fourth Test in the BGT Series will be played in temperatures around 40 degrees Centigrade. It going to generate more heat as well, cricket-wise. Tantalisingly poised at 1-1, to win the Boxing Day Test will be important.

So, who will deliver the knockout punch in the Boxing Day Test is being intensely debated. Australia will be happy Travis Head has been cleared to play. He has proved to be more than a thorn in the flesh for the Indians. In fact, his batting has resembled a boxer with gloves on, ready to punch the Indian attack. Only one bowler has looked menacing, ready to hit back - Jasprit Bumrah.

Net sessions at the MCG have been intense. That's what is read on social media and media. There have been complaints from Virat Kohli and even skipper Rohit Sharma, that the crowds have been a distraction. How come the fans are allowed so close to the nets and can almost converse with the batters is debatable.

However, then, when batters see massive crowds and hear huge roars at the MCG, they do concentrate. It was also interesting to hear from skipper Rohit Sharma how Virat will need to come good and score runs. His discourse on modern-day batters is jargon.

Perhaps, someone needs to remind the skipper, runs have dried from his bat. The only lasting memory is from the Gabba, where Rohit Sharma threw his gloves after getting out cheaply. Even Ravi Shastri, who was the invisible hero when India won the BGT Series in 2021 has said there is nothing wrong with Kohli's batting.

For the record, Virat Kohli scored his 30th Test ton in Perth. He 'failed' in two Tests after that. At practice, he has been going hard. So has the skipper. Now, both the former and present captains need to add punch to their batting and score.

The way R. Ashwin announced his retirement and walked out, it is clear he saw himself as unwanted in this team. So, if Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are going to not score, they will be under pressure. Nothing can be taken for granted. Indian cricket is in transition, we have heard this repeatedly.

As part of the transition, none can take his place for granted - Kohli and Rohit. Whatever the outcome in the last two Tests in Melbourne and Sydney, the two superstars of Indian cricket have to score. They need to wear the batting gloves and step out like pugilists who will take on the Aussie bowlers.

Will there be more variety in the Aussie bowling attack, as the sun-bathed MCG, exposed to 40 degrees Celsius, will 'break' at some point in time? There may be a temptation to add a spinner as well.

The same goes for India as well, which is why Tanush Kotian has also been flown out from India. Bottom line, Boxing Day Test, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma need to turn into heavyweight boxers. Their punch is much needed. One cannot depend on KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, and the tail to keep scoring.