Since the ball-tampering disgrace at Newlands in March, the eyes of the nation have been on the ability of the captain and players to temper their drive to compete with a sporting and ethical approach to the game. This renewed focus on conduct has extended to our opponents, with questions asked of India's outstanding batsman and captain, Virat Kohli.

The arrival of the Indian team on these shores has reminded us that their massive and vocal fan base is a crucial source of vitality for the game, so that India's cricketing prosperity is tied up with our own. What is more, a growing number of those turning out to cheer Cheteshwar Pujara, Ravichandran Ashwin and Mohammed Shami will happily call Australia home - since people born in India have become a leading cohort in our migration and citizenship figures over the past two decades. Embracing their contribution to the festivities gives us a welcome opportunity to stand up for the inclusive character of our society.

If a variety of personalities on the field and supporters off it are two parts of a winning Boxing Day recipe, then a third is surely the need for some spice in the playing surface itself. Last year's drawn Ashes Test in Melbourne reopened debate over the use of drop-in pitches at the MCG, but it is not clear that 12 months have made much of a difference, with opening batsman and Victoria native Aaron Finch only the latest to voice doubts over the prospects for bowlers on this benign strip. With a demerit points system and the possibility of suspension for substandard grounds around the world now in place, even the MCG could find that it is playing for its future this week.

If the only sledge we hear of for the next few days is Santa's, that won't be so bad. But if the ball comes gift-wrapped onto the bat we won't be celebrating. The truth is that in Test cricket, as in all sports, nothing succeeds like a contest.