What Is Meant By Boxing Day Test?

image-lqkwrlgwIndia beat South Africa in their last Boxing Day Test in 2021 (Twitter)

As the festive season reaches its peak, fans are set to witness a historic moment in the cricketing world. India and South Africa are preparing for a high-stakes encounter starting December 26 in the much-anticipated Boxing Day Test Match in Centurion. This cricketing tradition, deeply rooted in the Commonwealth nations, has been a long-standing fixture in the calendars of sports fans worldwide.

The Boxing Day Test match, a term that has piqued the curiosity of many, refers to cricket matches held on December 26, a day following Christmas. This year, the focus is on India's battle against South Africa, alongside Australia's face-off with Pakistan, both promising intense cricketing action.

Why is it called Boxing Day Test Match?

But why is it called 'Boxing Day'? The origins of the term are diverse. Some believe it stems from the tradition of opening alms boxes in churches on this date, while others associate it with servants receiving gifts for working on Christmas Day. Additionally, December 26 is celebrated as the feast day of St. Stephen, the patron saint of horses, marking a day of numerous sporting events across the Southern Hemisphere.



History of Boxing Day Tests

The history of the Boxing Day matches dates back to 1892 with a Sheffield Shield match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) between Victoria and New South Wales. However, the first official Boxing Day Test commenced during the 1950–51 Ashes series, with Australia clinching a nail-biting win by 28 runs. Despite a period of hiatus between 1953 and 1966, the tradition eventually resumed and found a permanent home at the MCG in 1980.

One of the most memorable Boxing Day Tests occurred in 1975, featuring Australia's victory over the West Indies, attracting a massive crowd of nearly 85,000 on the first day. The record for the highest attendance was later set in 2013, with over 91,000 spectators watching the Australia-England clash.

India's Boxing Day Test Record in South Africa

India's journey in the Boxing Day Test in South Africa began in 1992 at St George's Park, a game they lost by nine wickets. Out of the six Boxing Day Tests played by India in South Africa, the team has secured two wins, with the latest victory occurring in the 2021 edition at Centurion and the other in 2010. Rohit Sharma’s men will look to replicate their heroics from the last time and win the series opener in Centurion starting Tuesday.