Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma Take a Stroll Around Melbourne on the Eve of Boxing Day Test

Before the big match on Boxing Day, cricketing star from India, Virat Kohli and his wife, actress from Bollywood Anushka Sharma, were photographed walking leisurely around Melbourne. The casual outing of the couple in the city attracted the attention of fans, and a video of their stroll quickly became viral across social media. The two strolled through the streets of Melbourne, where the relaxed nature of the two was in stark contrast to the intense cricketing action that loomed just days ahead.

The Boxing Day Test is going to start on Thursday, and both teams are eager to get an early upper hand in the series, which is now levelled at 1-1. The match is very important for India, not only to take the lead in the series but also to strengthen their chances of reaching the final of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC). Kohli, who had an impressive century in the opening Test of the series, has been struggling with form in the subsequent matches. His recent performances have drawn criticism from fans and cricket experts alike, making this match all the more significant for him. With India relying heavily on his experience and the leadership, a strong performance from Kohli could really be the difference-maker to get a spot in WTC Final.

The Australian side is set to face up to this challenge at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), as their captain Pat Cummins talks about how the conditions of the pitches are. The MCG pitch is "nice and firm," Cummins said, with a "bit of grass coverage" which could help the spinners, especially Nathan Lyon of Australia. Cummins said the MCG pitch has retained its consistency over the years, and the curators have done a great job in preparing a surface which promises a fair contest between bat and ball.

Talking more in detail about the pitch conditions, Cummins said, "The pitch looks really good, quite consistent with what we've seen in recent years. It's got a bit of grass coverage, and it feels nice and firm, so the curators have done a great job here for the last five or six years. I suspect we'll see something similar this year." He also emphasized the role of spin as he thinks Lyon has performed well in the MCG before. "Nathan Lyon has been quite successful here and will have an important role in the game," Cummins added.

Another problem being faced by the Australian captain includes how hard it may be to play when temperatures are going to hit an extreme of 39 degrees in Melbourne. Bowling during those intense heats might make playing difficult, but he said that he was pretty much sure his team could overcome the challenge. Still with the hot weather, he described the pitch as being "well-balanced.".

As the series enters this critical third Test, both teams will want to stamp their authority to claim the lead not only in the series but also to further advance their chances for a World Test Championship final berth. The presence of match-winner Virat Kohli and Nathan Lyon among key players on either side means the match would certainly be a highly enthralling contest with an expectation and high stakes on every single delivery.

For Kohli, a good performance in Melbourne would not only quiet the critics but also send India closer to their objective of qualifying for the WTC Final. The match will start unfolding in just a few days, and everyone's attention will be glued to the MCG where pressure is high and each moment is crucial.