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93,442! Ashes fever leads record-breaking crowd at MCG for AUS vs ENG Boxing Day Test

Soumyajit Dutta

The MCG crowd during the Boxing Day Test [Source: @PictureSporting/X]The MCG crowd during the Boxing Day Test [Source: @PictureSporting/X]

The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Australia, which is currently hosting the Boxing Day Test between Australia and England in Ashes 2025-26, witnessed a record-breaking crowd attendance on the opening day of the match, on December 26.

Notably, the MCG saw a crowd of over 90,000 by Tea on Day 1 in what is effectively a dead-rubber contest, with Australia having already sealed the series by winning the first three Tests. 

This figure is particularly significant as it surpasses the attendance recorded during the 2015 ICC World Cup final, which stood at 93,013.

The official count at the MCG at Tea Break on Day 1 of the fourth Ashes Test was 93,442 spectators, marginally exceeding the previous record and setting a new benchmark for crowd turnout at the venue.

Why the surge in crowd at MCG?

While Australia have already secured the Ashes, the home crowd has remained fully engaged and eager to support their side throughout the series, possibly in the hope of witnessing a 5–0 whitewash.

Another major factor contributing to the massive turnout is Boxing Day itself, with the festive season across Australia drawing fans to the iconic venue. Cricket, as always, remains a major attraction during this period, resulting in more people turning up at the stadium.

However, it was not a complete sell-out, as the Melbourne Cricket Ground has an official spectator capacity of around 1,24,000, making it Australia’s largest stadium. To elaborate, the venue has approximately 95,000 seats along with additional standing-room capacity, which means the stadium was close to 95 percent full on December 26.

How did Australia perform with the bat?

Despite the huge turnout, Australia’s performance on the opening day was far from ideal. After England won the toss and opted to bowl on a green MCG pitch, the hosts struggled with the bat. 

Openers Travis Head and Jake Weatherald were dismissed inside the first 10 overs, while Marnus Labuschagne, who walked in at No. 3, followed soon after, leaving Australia reeling at 34 for 3. 

Skipper Steve Smith was also bamboozled by Josh Tong and dismissed for just nine runs after stepping out of his crease, reducing Australia to 51 for 4.

A solid contribution from Michael Neser, along with valuable lower-order efforts and important runs from Usman Khawaja and Alex Carey, helped Australia cross the 150-run mark and secure a lead of 152 runs before England came out to bat.

England too suffered early setbacks while coming to bat in their first innings, and judging by the state of the match, the crowd may not have to wait for five full days, as the game appears likely to be wrapped up within the weekend.