Boxing Day Test

Editorial

26-30 December 2010
MCG, Melbourne

Tickets from Ticketek

Click here for the 2010-2011 Australian Cricket Calendar 

While the Boxing Day Test is always a highlight on a cricket lover's calendar, its massive appeal to Aussies of all ages and sporting tastes has to do with a lot more than just cricket. In fact, attending the Boxing Day Test has become such a cultural tradition in Australia, even Paul Kelly, Australia's foremost singer/songwriter immortalised the experience in a song entitled Behind the Bowler's Arm.

Ever since 1950 - when the first Boxing Day Test at the 'G 'was held attracting 60, 486 fans to watch Australia win a thriller against England by just 28 runs - the Boxing Day Test has captured the attention of a nation. For those who can't make the pilgrimage to the ground, the opportunity to relax in front of the TV on the couch within reach of a plate of leftovers, a cold beer, and Richie Beneud in the commentary box is as much a part of the festive season as opening gifts.

In its 59 year history, the Boxing Day Test has certainly delivered in the excitement stakes. In 1974, despite Dennis Lillee and Jeff Thomson demolishing the Poms (Thommo took 4/72 and 4/71), the match ended in a draw. With Australia just eight runs short of victory, but with eight wickets down, the match is still known today as “The Mystery Test”. In 1982, in one of the greatest Tests ever played, Allan Border and Jeff Thomson, Australia's last batting pair, almost stole victory, adding 70 for the 10th wicket. 18 000 attended the last morning, with Australia 9/255 needing another 37 to win and three runs short, they just failed. Recently, in 2006, the MCG saw one of its biggest crowds in Test history, with the 100th Test match producing a near-record Test crowd for a single day, and 244,351 across the three days Australia took to defeat England and take a 4-0 lead in the five-match series.

This year, Australia will be playing England, and for a sports-mad nation, the Boxing Day Test appeals to many Aussies as the perfect wind-down from another hectic year, where for a few days at least, there's not much else going on except for the laid-back action and genteel excitement coming from one of the world's most magnificent sporting stadiums.

Cath Pope, Citysearch