As backyard cricket pitches across the country were given the annual post-Christmas lunch workout, a group of Indian cricket diehards played their own traditional match at a suburban ground in Melbourne.

Taking part in the 20-over affair at Lum Reserve in Wheelers Hill were the Swami Army, who will descend on the MCG on Boxing Day armed with drums and chants to watch their heroes take on Australia.

Sydney-based investment banker Rakesh Jampala, 33, said the supporter group played at least one match every year on Christmas Day before enjoying a big party later in the evening ahead of the Test.

Many players grew up in Melbourne but had moved away for work, he said, making the day a good opportunity to catch up as well as enjoying a game of cricket.

"It's even more exciting when India is here, the day before the big Boxing Day match," he said.

There was not a taped-up tennis ball or six-and-out rule to be found in what was a serious contest, with batsmen dressed in full protective gear and fielders offering up witty good-natured sledges.

Selection of both teams was conducted by the two captains playground-style. A skipper who chose poorly was given an opportunity to change the teams before an encore match.

"The first game is picked on reputation, then the second one a little bit more on form," said Rakesh, who was ruing his departure for a third-ball duck.

Everyone had to bowl at least one over, a rule not found in the official Laws of Cricket but one which benefited those batsmen who survived long enough to take full toll of the part-timers.

In the pavilion, the batting side were worried about the loopy off-spin of Sandeep Mandalika, 26, who was extracting good bounce from the freshly laid Astroturf wicket.

Seeing him off was 28-year-old Raghav Murali-Ganesh, who slogged a handy 30 runs from 18 delivers including two towering sixes before perishing attempting one big shot too many.

Controlling the scorebook for much of the innings, opening batsman Advait Gunturu, 29, said the main goal for the day was bragging rights for both team and individual players.

"It's all about pride, you get to talk about it for the next 12 months," he said.

After claiming their own piece of glory at Christmas, the amateurs will be hoping the professionals can do the same on Boxing Day.