What Is Boxing Day Test? History And Significance Explained

Jatin∙ Updated: Dec 24 2024, 2:20 PM

What Is Boxing Day Test? [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/x.com]What Is Boxing Day Test? [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/x.com]

The Boxing Day Test is here and this time it’s Australia vs India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Fans are ready to pack the stands, with over 86,000 people expected to show up.

But why is it called the Boxing Day Test? Let’s take a detailed look:

What Is The Boxing Day Test?

A Boxing Day Test is basically a cricket match played on December 26, the day after Christmas. But why is it called Boxing Day? Some say it’s from the tradition of opening alms boxes at churches on this day.

Others think it’s about servants getting gifts, usually in boxes, from their employers after working on Christmas. And then there’s St. Stephen’s feast day, which is marked by sports and races, especially in the Southern Hemisphere.

In cricket, Boxing Day has turned into a massive event. Countries like Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand have made it a tradition. It’s one of the biggest dates in the cricket calendar.


History Of The Boxing Day Test

The Melbourne Cricket Ground is where the Boxing Day Test truly comes alive. It’s the home of this tradition in Australia. The first official Boxing Day Test was played here in 1950 during the Ashes. But the idea of cricket on this day goes way back to 1892, when Victoria and New South Wales faced off in a Sheffield Shield match at the MCG.

Since 1980, the MCG has hosted a Boxing Day Test every single year. It’s become a ritual, and fans from all over flock to this iconic stadium for the spectacle.

Why Boxing Day Is Such a Big Deal?

The Boxing Day Test isn’t just about cricket, it’s a tradition. It’s the perfect way to start off things after Christmas and enjoy some world-class cricket.

It’s a day for families, friends, and hardcore cricket lovers to come together and enjoy the sport. And for the players? It’s a dream. Playing at the MCG on Boxing Day, with thousands of fans cheering, is something every cricketer dreams of.

This year’s clash between Australia and India has everything you could ask for as the series is levelled at 1-1. Two top teams, high stakes, and a crowd that’s going to be loud and proud. Australia will be looking to dominate at home, but India won’t go down without a fight.

Big Moments From Boxing Day History

The Boxing Day Test has delivered some unforgettable moments. In 1975, Australia smashed the West Indies in front of a massive crowd of 85,000. The energy was through the roof. Fast forward to 2013, and the MCG saw a record 91,000 fans pack in to watch Australia take on England. 

In 2018, India trounced Australia in the Boxing-Day Test under Virat Kohli and they repeated the same in 2020 under Ajinkya Rahane. This year, it’s Australia vs India again, and guess what? The MCG is sold out. Fans are buzzing, and the atmosphere is going to be electric.