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Boxing Day Test
Boxing Day Test
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Boxing Day Test
The Melbourne Cricket Ground during the first day of the 2015 Boxing Day Test match
StatusActive
GenreSporting event
Begins26 December
EndsOn or before 30 December
FrequencyAnnual
VenueMelbourne Cricket Ground
LocationsMelbourne, Victoria
CountryAustralia
Inaugurated1968 (1968)

The Boxing Day Test match is a cricket Test match held in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, involving the Australia national cricket team and an opposing national team that is touring Australia during the southern summer. It begins annually on Boxing Day (26 December) and is played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

History

[edit]
Cricket crowd at the Boxing Day Test in 2007

By long tradition, a Sheffield Shield match between Victoria and New South Wales had been played at the MCG over the Christmas period dating back as far as 1865.[1] It included Boxing Day as one of the scheduled days of play, much to the chagrin of the NSW players who missed spending Christmas with their families as a result. The Melbourne Test was usually held over the New Year period, often starting on 1 January.

During the 1950–51 Ashes series, the Melbourne Test was played from 22 to 27 December, with the fourth day's play being on Boxing Day, but no Test matches were played on Boxing Day in Melbourne between 1953 and 1967. Because there were six Tests in the 1974–75 Ashes series, in order to fit them all in to the overall schedule, the Third Test at Melbourne was scheduled to start on Boxing Day.

That was the origin of the modern tradition, although it was not until 1980 that it was formalised by the Australian Cricket Board, alongside the recent acquisition of its television rights by the Nine Network, and Melbourne emphasising its hosting of major sporting events (such as the AFL Grand Final and Australian Open) to offset the decline of its manufacturing industry.[2]

The Boxing Day Test has cultural significance and often draws large crowds,[3] although increased competition from Twenty20 fixtures in the Big Bash League has led to variances in attendance; the MCG hosted its largest Boxing Day crowd in 2013, the fourth Test of the 2013–14 Ashes series against England.[3]

Individual awards

[edit]

Since 1975, there has been an official Player of the Match named in each Boxing Day Test. Since 2020, the man of the match has received the Mullagh Medal, named in honour of Indigenous Australian cricketer Johnny Mullagh.[4][5]

A panorama of the MCG for day one of the 2024 Boxing Day Test.

List of Boxing Day Test matches

[edit]
Year Opposition team Result Boxing Day Crowd Total Attendance Player of the Match: Mullagh Medal
1968  West Indies  Australia won by an innings and 30 runs 18,766 113,376
1974  England Draw 77,167 250,750[6]
1975  West Indies  Australia won by 8 wickets 85,661 222,755[6] Australia Jeff Thomson
1980  New Zealand Draw 28,671 82,745 New Zealand Richard Hadlee
1981  West Indies  Australia won by 58 runs 39,982 134,081[6] Australia Kim Hughes
1982  England  England won by 3 runs 63,900 214,882[6] England Norman Cowans
1983  Pakistan Draw 40,277 111,611[6] Australia Graham Yallop
1985  India Draw 18,146 77,715[6] Australia Allan Border
1986  England  England won by an innings and 14 runs 58,203 107,817[6] England Gladstone Small
1987  New Zealand Draw 51,807 127,184[6] New Zealand Richard Hadlee
1990  England  Australia won by 9 wickets 49,763 129,530[6] Australia Bruce Reid
1991  India  Australia won by 8 wickets 42,494 89,369[6] Australia Bruce Reid
1992  West Indies  Australia won by 139 runs 28,397 83,320[6] Australia Shane Warne
1993  South Africa Draw 15,604[a] 48,565[6] Australia Mark Taylor
1995  Sri Lanka  Australia won by 10 wickets 55,239 105,388[6] Australia Glenn McGrath
1996  West Indies  West Indies won by 6 wickets 72,891 131,671[6] Cricket West Indies Curtly Ambrose
1997  South Africa Draw 73,812 160,182[6] South Africa Jacques Kallis
1998  England  England won by 12 runs 61,580 159,031[6] England Dean Headley
1999  India  Australia won by 180 runs 49,082[a] 134,554[6] India Sachin Tendulkar
2000  West Indies  Australia won by 352 runs 73,233 133,299[6] Australia Steve Waugh
2001  South Africa  Australia won by 9 wickets 61,796 153,025[6] Australia Matthew Hayden
2002  England  Australia won by 5 wickets 64,189[b] 177,658[6] Australia Justin Langer
2003  India  Australia won by 9 wickets 62,613[b] 179,662[6] Australia Ricky Ponting
2004  Pakistan  Australia won by 9 wickets 61,552[b] 129,079[6] Australia Damien Martyn
2005  South Africa  Australia won by 184 runs 71,910[b] 192,338[6] Australia Michael Hussey
2006  England  Australia won by an innings and 99 runs 89,155[7] 244,351[6] Australia Shane Warne
2007  India  Australia won by 337 runs 68,465[8] 166,663[8] Australia Matthew Hayden
2008  South Africa  South Africa won by 9 wickets 63,263[8] 174,246[8] South Africa Dale Steyn
2009  Pakistan  Australia won by 170 runs 59,206[8] 156,267[8] Australia Shane Watson
2010  England  England won by an innings and 157 runs 84,345[8] 240,156[8] England Jonathan Trott
2011  India  Australia won by 122 runs[9] 70,068[8] 189,347[9] Australia James Pattinson
2012  Sri Lanka  Australia won by an innings and 201 runs 67,138[8] 137,455[8] Australia Mitchell Johnson
2013  England  Australia won by 8 wickets 91,112[8] 271,865[8] Australia Mitchell Johnson
2014  India Draw 69,993 194,481 Australia Ryan Harris
2015  West Indies  Australia won by 177 runs 53,389 127,069[10][11][12][13] Australia Nathan Lyon
2016  Pakistan  Australia won by an innings and 18 runs 63,478[a] 142,188[14][15][16][17][18] Australia Steve Smith
2017  England Draw 88,173 261,335 England Alastair Cook
2018  India  India won by 137 runs[19] 73,516 176,539 India Jasprit Bumrah
2019  New Zealand  Australia won by 247 runs 80,473[20] 203,472[21] Australia Travis Head
2020  India  India won by 8 wickets 27,615[c] 89,472[23] India Ajinkya Rahane
2021  England  Australia won by an innings and 14 runs 57,100 140,671 Australia Scott Boland
2022  South Africa  Australia won by an innings and 182 runs 64,876 155,714 Australia David Warner
2023  Pakistan  Australia won by 79 runs 62,167 164,835 Australia Pat Cummins
2024  India  Australia won by 184 runs 87,242 373,691 Australia Pat Cummins
2025  England
2026  New Zealand
  • In 1989, instead of a Test match, a One Day International was held on 26 December at the Melbourne Cricket Ground between Australia and Sri Lanka. Australia won by 30 runs in front of a crowd of 45,012.[24]

Overall Record — Australia vs Visitors

[edit]
Beer cup snake during the 2021 Boxing Day Test
Opposition Team GP W D L Win % Recent Test
 England 11 4 2 5 036.36 Boxing Day 2021
 India 10 2 2 6 020.00 Boxing Day 2024
 New Zealand 3 0 2 1 000.00 Boxing Day 2019
 Pakistan 5 0 1 4 000.00 Boxing Day 2023
 South Africa 6 1 2 3 016.67 Boxing Day 2022
 Sri Lanka 2 0 0 2 000.00 Boxing Day 2012
 West Indies 7 1 0 6 014.29 Boxing Day 2015
Total 44 8 9 27 018.18 Boxing Day 2024

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Boxing Day Test

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from Grokipedia
The Boxing Day Test is an annual first-class match played at the (MCG) in , , traditionally commencing on , known as , and typically spanning five days until December 30. It features the Australian national team against a touring international side, often as part of major series like against England or bilateral contests with teams such as and . Although matches have been held at the during the summer period since the late , including a domestic fixture between Victoria and in 1892 that coincided with the season, the Test as an international event originated in 1950 with a match against that began on December 22 but included play on . Subsequent Tests occurred sporadically in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s, such as in 1952 against , 1968 and 1975 against , and 1974 against , with the latter drawing a record crowd of 85,596 spectators and highlighting the event's growing appeal. The tradition solidified in 1980 when it became an annual fixture, driven by television broadcast rights secured by Kerry Packer's Channel Nine in 1979, and has been held every year since except in 1989, when it was replaced by a against . This match holds immense cultural and sporting significance in , serving as a cornerstone of the nation's summer calendar and embodying the festive spirit of with its blend of tradition and high-stakes competition. It attracts massive crowds, with daily often reaching 80,000 to 90,000 fans at the MCG's capacity of around 100,000, creating an electric atmosphere fueled by passionate supporters, potential for dramatic plays like boundary sixes, and the summer weather. Beyond , similar Tests occur in other nations like , such as the 2023 edition at between and , underscoring the format's role in global during the December-January window when conditions are favorable. The event not only boosts Melbourne's economy and tourism but also reinforces 's status as a unifying national pastime, with recent editions featuring high-profile rivalries like versus in 2024.

Overview

Definition and Significance

The Boxing Day Test is an annual match that begins on December 26 at the (MCG), serving as the traditional opening or second fixture in 's home summer series against a touring international team. This event aligns with the five-day format of , typically drawing large crowds over the holiday period and featuring high-stakes competition between and prominent opponents such as , , or . The term "" originates from British traditions observed in , where is a commemorating the historical practice of wealthy households distributing boxed gifts or alms to servants and the needy the day after . In the Australian context, this date has evolved into a national celebration that intertwines with festive customs, symbolizing the onset of the summer cricket season and fostering a sense of communal holiday spirit. Culturally, the Boxing Day Test holds profound significance in Australia as a marquee sporting event that blends tradition with national identity, consistently attracting over 80,000 spectators per day and peaking at a single-day record of 91,112 during the 2013 Ashes match against England. It represents a pivotal moment in the domestic calendar, where families and fans converge at the MCG to partake in the holiday atmosphere amid barbecues, fireworks, and post-Christmas festivities. The 2024 match against India set a new record for total Test match attendance in Australia with 373,691 spectators over five days. Globally, the match stands as one of the most viewed encounters, amplifying the sport's reach through extensive television broadcasts and underscoring 's central role in sustaining 's prestige during the festive season.

Origins in Australian Cricket

The tradition of playing on in dates back to 1865, when an inter-colonial match between Victoria and commenced at the () over the period, providing entertainment during the . This fixture filled a post- void in Melbourne's burgeoning sporting , reflecting the city's early passion for organized sports rooted in British colonial influences, where —originally a British for giving gifts to servants and the poor—evolved into a day of communal activities like . By the late 19th century, these inter-colonial encounters had formalized into the competition, which began in the 1892–93 season among , Victoria, and . The first documented Boxing Day match under this format occurred from December 24 to 29, 1892, pitting Victoria against at the , drawing crowds of around 48,000 over five days and solidifying the holiday timing for domestic . This annual tradition, barring exceptions, continued for over a century, emphasizing Melbourne's role as Australia's sporting capital and cricket's integration into colonial holiday observances. Into the early , the domestic fixtures persisted amid growing tours to , with occasional Tests scheduled around the period but not annually starting on . For instance, the first international match aligning closely with at the MCG occurred in 1950 against , beginning on December 22, marking a gradual shift from purely domestic rivalries to include global competition during the festive season. This evolution laid the groundwork for the first Test starting on December 26 in 1968, with the fixture becoming annual from 1980 onward (except 1989).

Venue and Organization

Melbourne Cricket Ground

The (MCG), established in 1853 by the —founded in 1838 and granted the land after relocating due to the construction of 's first steam train route—has long served as a central hub for . The venue hosted the inaugural Test match in 1877 between and , solidifying its status as an iconic cricket arena that has drawn global attention through major international fixtures. Over the decades, the MCG underwent significant expansions to accommodate growing crowds, with developments in the and introducing individual seating across the ground, reducing its capacity from approximately 125,000 to 100,024 following the 2006 redevelopment. Tailored for Test cricket, the MCG features drop-in pitches introduced to enhance wicket quality and adapt to the venue's dual use for summer cricket and winter Australian rules football, allowing pitches to be prepared off-site in controlled conditions and installed seasonally. These portable wickets, grown on specialized trays, are optimized for the dry, hard summer surfaces typical of Melbourne's climate, providing consistent bounce and pace for international matches. The stadium's seating exceeds 90,000, with the three-tiered Great Southern Stand—completed in 1992—accommodating nearly 50,000 spectators along one boundary, offering covered views and modern amenities like replay screens and food services. Floodlights, installed in 1985, enable extended play during variable summer weather. The first Boxing Day Test to commence on was played at the in 1968 against , and the venue has exclusively hosted all such matches since, with the event becoming an annual from 1980 amid Melbourne's warm December conditions, where temperatures can exceed 40°C. Adaptations for these summer elements include protective pitch covers to mitigate heat and , alongside the drop-in system that ensures wickets withstand prolonged exposure to sun and . The ground's design facilitates large-scale operations, with efficient entry points and shaded areas helping manage spectator comfort during peak heat. Historical incidents at the MCG tied to its Test hosting include recurring pitch controversies, such as the 2017 Ashes Boxing Day Test surface rated "poor" by the International Cricket Council for excessive flatness and low bounce, which drew criticism from players and officials for diminishing match competitiveness. Earlier issues, like the 2019 Sheffield Shield match abandonment due to an unsafe, cracked pitch, highlighted ongoing challenges in preparing durable surfaces under summer stresses. Crowd management has also tested the venue during high-attendance games, with the 2024 Boxing Day Test drawing a record 373,691 spectators over five days—surpassing the 1937 mark—requiring enhanced security, transport coordination, and heat mitigation protocols to handle surges exceeding 80,000 daily. These efforts underscore the MCG's evolution into a resilient facility capable of sustaining major cricket events.

Scheduling and Format

The Boxing Day Test is traditionally scheduled to commence on each year, aligning with the Australian summer that spans November to January, and it follows the standard five-day format governed by (ICC) playing conditions for Test matches. This fixture often serves as the opening or pivotal match in a bilateral Test series hosted by , with play typically starting at 10:30 a.m. and concluding by December 30, unless affected by weather or other disruptions. Cricket Australia (CA) oversees the overall scheduling and organization of the event, collaborating with the ICC to integrate it into the international Future Tours Programme and ensure alignment with visiting teams' calendars. The (MCG) Trust, which administers the venue, coordinates logistical aspects such as ground preparation and crowd management in partnership with CA. This structure has secured the Boxing Day Test at the MCG through at least 2031 via agreements between CA and state governments. Broadcasting of the Boxing Day Test has evolved significantly since its early days, beginning with radio coverage in from the , including the first ball-by-ball commentary in 1925. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), established in 1932, has since provided ball-by-ball radio commentary for Test matches. broadcasts commenced in 1956 on ABC, with color transmission introduced in 1975, before Channel Nine secured exclusive rights in 1977 and held them for four decades, revolutionizing coverage with innovations like multiple camera angles. Since 2018, rights in have been with Channel Seven, complemented by pay-TV and streaming on and , enabling global reach through ICC media rights deals that include digital platforms. In adapting to modern cricket landscapes, the Boxing Day Test remains a traditional day match, unlike day-night Tests trialed successfully at other Australian venues like since 2015 using pink balls for better visibility under lights. Scheduling integrates with the (BBL) by positioning T20 matches in evenings or post-Test days to maximize audience engagement without direct overlap during the five-day event.

Historical Development

Pre-1968 Era

The annual Boxing Day fixture between Victoria and in the competition, a rooted in 19th-century domestic at the , persisted through the and as a key holiday event. These matches, typically spanning late , saw steadily increasing attendance and media coverage amid Australia's burgeoning post-war sporting culture. By the mid-1960s, four-day encounters attracted growing crowds, reflecting heightened public enthusiasm for the format during the festive season. Early international exposure to Boxing Day cricket came sporadically, with one-off matches scheduled near the holiday but not fixed on December 26. For instance, during the 1950–51 series, the second at the MCG ran from December 22 to 27, featuring play on as the fourth day and drawing substantial holiday crowds to witness Australia's narrow victory by 28 runs. Similarly, the 1951–52 series against the included a at from December 22 to 25, ending just before and showcasing competitive international cricket during the Christmas period, though not at Melbourne. These irregular timings highlighted the potential for festive fixtures without establishing a consistent tradition at the MCG. Several factors facilitated the transition toward formalizing Boxing Day as an international Test date, including the post-World War II boom in Australian , marked by record attendances at major matches and the national team's dominance in series against and other nations. The 1950s and early 1960s saw Australia's Test side, led by figures like , secure victories in home series, boosting overall interest and infrastructure investments in venues like the . Melbourne's cricket authorities actively bid for annual international fixtures to leverage the holiday's draw, capitalizing on the city's status as a cricketing hub and the growing commercial appeal of summer sport. The 1967 Sheffield Shield match between Victoria and at the , played from December 22 to 27, was a closely contested affair that Victoria won by 43 runs, drawing 19,168 spectators over the match.

Establishment and Growth (1968–Present)

The first Boxing Day starting on December 26 was held in 1968, when hosted the at the , marking a pivotal shift from occasional domestic matches to a prominent Test event. secured a decisive victory by an innings and 30 runs, with and forging a 298-run for the second , drawing over 100,000 spectators across the match and underscoring the event's immediate appeal. This inaugural transformed the post-Christmas period into a cornerstone of the Australian cricket calendar, building on earlier domestic traditions but elevating the fixture to global status. Following 1968, Boxing Day Tests were held sporadically, including against in 1974 (draw) and in 1975 ( won by 8 s), before becoming annual in 1980. The event's growth accelerated in the late 1970s and 1980s, driven by lucrative television rights deals secured by Kerry Packer's Channel Nine in 1979, which maximized viewership and revenue by promoting the match as a marquee broadcast. In 1980, formalized its commitment to an annual Boxing Day Test at the , ensuring consistency and boosting its prestige as a highlight of the summer season. This period saw increased series scheduling against major rivals, including during and in high-profile bilateral tours, which amplified attendance—often exceeding on —and global interest, solidifying the fixture's economic and cultural importance. Expansion to diverse opponents further enhanced the Test's scope, welcoming teams beyond traditional foes; South Africa's return from apartheid isolation culminated in their first Boxing Day appearance in 1993, a rain-affected draw that symbolized cricket's reconciliation efforts and drew strong crowds. Pakistan's inaugural Boxing Day Test came in 2009, where Australia prevailed by 170 runs, introducing fresh rivalries and broadening the event's international footprint. These inclusions reflected cricket's evolving landscape, with the fixture adapting to host emerging powerhouses while maintaining its core appeal. Recent developments have tested the event's resilience, particularly amid the ; the 2020 match against proceeded under strict health protocols with no full bio-secure bubble but limited crowds to 25,000 per day at the , yet stunned with an eight-wicket win, highlighting the fixture's enduring competitiveness. In 2024, reclaimed momentum against , securing a 184-run victory to take a 2-1 series lead, with over 373,691 total attendees reaffirming the Test's status as 's premier cricketing spectacle despite global challenges.

Key Milestones

The incident during the 1981 one-day international between and at the (MCG) marked a pivotal controversy in Australian cricket, where captain instructed his brother Trevor to deliver the final ball underarm to prevent a tie, sparking widespread outrage over sportsmanship. This event, occurring amid broader turmoil in Australian cricket including disputes over player payments and administration, damaged the nation's cricketing reputation and led to amendments in the to ban underarm deliveries in limited-overs formats, heightening scrutiny on fair play in all MCG matches, including the Boxing Day Test fixture. The incident's legacy contributed to a tense atmosphere in high-stakes encounters at the venue, underscoring the fixture's role in embodying cricket's ethical challenges. In the 1990s, the Test underwent significant commercialization through infrastructure upgrades at the , notably the opening of the Great Southern Stand in , which introduced extensive corporate boxes and hospitality facilities as part of a major funded by and league agreements. This expansion, including sponsorship integrations like the Mitsubishi scoreboard, enhanced revenue streams from premium seating and corporate partnerships, transforming the event into a major economic driver for Australian cricket while attracting larger, more diverse audiences to the annual fixture. The changes solidified the Test's status as a commercial spectacle, with events like the final at the newly revamped ground drawing record crowds of 87,182 and demonstrating the venue's growing appeal. The 2013 Boxing Day Test against during series achieved a historic milestone with a world-record single-day attendance of 91,092 on the , surpassing previous benchmarks and totaling 271,865 over five days, reflecting the fixture's peak popularity amid intense rivalry. This turnout not only boosted gate revenues but also highlighted the event's cultural significance, as fans packed the MCG to witness Australia's dominant 8-wicket victory in retaining . A landmark step in Indigenous recognition came in 2020 with the introduction of the Johnny Mullagh Medal, awarded to the in the Boxing Day Test to honor Johnny Mullagh, the standout performer of the 1868 Aboriginal team that toured —the first Australian sporting side to do so internationally. Announced by in December 2019, the medal acknowledges the overlooked contributions of Indigenous cricketers and promotes reconciliation, with receiving the inaugural award for his performance against . This initiative elevated the fixture's social impact, aligning it with broader efforts to celebrate Australia's diverse cricketing heritage. In 2024, the Boxing Day Test faced pre-match concerns over potential attendance dips due to scheduling overlaps with (BBL) matches in other cities, raising questions about the T20 format's competition eroding the traditional 's appeal amid shifting fan preferences. Despite these worries, the fixture drew a robust Day 1 crowd of 87,242 against —a record for Australia- Tests—and a cumulative 373,691 over five days, breaking the all-time Australian attendance mark previously set in 1937. This outcome underscored ongoing challenges to sustain the event's dominance in a multi-format era, even as combined and BBL viewership hit historic highs of 152,375 on across venues.

Matches and Records

List of Matches

The Boxing Day Test at the has been contested 45 times from 1968 to 2024, featuring against touring teams from various nations. has been the most common opponent with 12 matches, followed by (10), (7), (6), (5), (3), and (2). No matches in this period were abandoned, though some draws were influenced by rain interruptions. The following table lists all Boxing Day Tests in chronological order, including the year, opponent, result, captains (Australian and opposing where documented), and total crowd attendance.
YearOpponentResultAustralian CaptainOpposing CaptainAttendance
1968Australia won by an innings and 30 runsW. LawryG. Sobers113,376
1974DrawnI. ChappellM. Denness250,750
1975Australia won by 8 wicketsG. ChappellC. Lloyd222,755
1980DrawnG. ChappellG. Hadlee82,745
1981Australia won by 58 runsK. HughesC. Lloyd134,081
1982England won by 3 runsG. ChappellB. Willis214,882
1983DrawnK. Hughes111,611
1985Drawn77,715
1986England won by an innings and 14 runsM. Gatting107,817
1987DrawnJ. Wright127,184
1990Australia won by 9 wicketsG. Gooch129,530
1991Australia won by 8 wicketsM. Azharuddin89,369
1992Australia won by 139 runsR. Richardson83,320
1993DrawnK. Wessels48,565
1994Australia won by 295 runsM. TaylorM. Atherton144,492
1995Australia won by 10 wicketsM. TaylorA. Ranatunga105,388
1996West Indies won by 6 wicketsM. TaylorC. Walsh131,671
1997DrawnM. TaylorW. Cronje160,182
1998England won by 12 runsM. TaylorA. Stewart159,031
1999Australia won by 180 runsS. Tendulkar134,554
2000Australia won by 352 runsJ. Adams133,299
2001Australia won by 9 wickets153,025
2002Australia won by 5 wicketsN. Hussain177,658
2003Australia won by 9 wicketsS. Ganguly179,662
2004Australia won by 9 wicketsR. PontingY. Youhana129,079
2005Australia won by 184 runsR. PontingG. Smith192,337
2006Australia won by an innings and 99 runsR. PontingA. Flintoff244,351
2007Australia won by 337 runsR. PontingA. Kumble166,159
2008South Africa won by 9 wicketsR. PontingG. Smith174,246
2009Australia won by 170 runsR. PontingM. Yousuf156,267
2010England won by an innings and 157 runsR. Ponting240,116
2011Australia won by 122 runsM. ClarkeM. S. Dhoni189,347
2012Australia won by an innings and 201 runsM. ClarkeM. Jayawardene137,455
2013Australia won by 8 wicketsM. ClarkeA. Cook271,865
2014DrawnS. SmithM. S. Dhoni194,481
2015Australia won by 177 runsS. SmithJ. Holder127,069
2016Australia won by an innings and 18 runsS. SmithMisbah-ul-Haq142,187
2017DrawnS. SmithJ. Root261,335
2018India won by 137 runsT. PaineV. Kohli176,539
2019Australia won by 247 runsT. PaineK. Williamson203,471
2020India won by 8 wicketsT. PaineA. Rahane89,472
2021Australia won by an innings and 14 runsP. CumminsJ. Root140,671
2022Australia won by an innings and 182 runsP. CumminsD. Elgar155,773
2023Australia won by 79 runsP. CumminsS. Masood164,835
2024Australia won by 184 runsP. CumminsR. Sharma373,691
Captains for matches prior to 1992 are based on series records from official archives.

Performance Statistics

The Test has seen secure 28 victories, 8 defeats, and 9 draws across 45 matches played at the from 1968 to 2024. This equates to a win percentage of approximately 62.2%, slightly higher than 's overall 57.8% win rate in 116 matches at the MCG. The robust home advantage is tempered in fixtures by the caliber of touring teams, often at peak strength early in series.
OpponentMatchesAustralia WinsAustralia LossesDraws
England12642
India10622
West Indies7610
South Africa6312
Pakistan5401
New Zealand3102
Sri Lanka2200
Australia's record against traditional rivals highlights dominance over most opponents, with perfect unbeaten records against , , and . The Boxing Day Test serves as the series opener in roughly 80% of non-Ashes encounters, providing early momentum; teams winning this fixture have clinched the overall series in about 70% of cases since 2000, underscoring its psychological influence. Post-2000, draws have declined sharply to just 3 in 24 matches, attributable to curators preparing result-oriented pitches that favor decisive outcomes over weather-interrupted stalemates. This trend aligns with broader evolution toward more dynamic surfaces.

Notable Matches

The 1982 Boxing Day Test between and , part of series, is remembered for its nail-biting finish and Dennis Lillee's dominant bowling performance. Lillee claimed 7/58 in 's first innings, helping to dismiss them for 284 after had posted 237. In their second innings, reached 294, setting a target of 292. came agonizingly close, with (62 not out) and (41) adding 70 for the ninth , but Thomson's run-out left three runs short of victory, handing a dramatic three-run win. In the 2006 Boxing Day Test against , secured a convincing victory by 99 runs, highlighted by a resilient batting recovery and Kevin Pietersen's gritty 91 in 's second during a dramatic collapse. slumped to 5/84 in reply to 's 159 but rallied to 419, led by Damien Martyn's 126 and Matthew Hayden's 102, before bowling out for 161 in their second dig. Pietersen's near-century provided fleeting resistance amid the rout, underscoring the match's intensity in context. The 2020 Boxing Day Test saw pull off a remarkable eight-wicket victory over , capping a turnaround in the series following their earlier collapse to 36 all out in , which marked 's lowest Test total. managed only 195 in their first innings at the , with 's bowlers, led by Jasprit Bumrah's 4/56, exploiting conditions effectively. responded with 326, anchored by Ajinkya Rahane's 112, before declaring at 70/2 to chase down the 70 needed for a morale-boosting win under Rahane's captaincy. The 2010 Boxing Day Test against featured Australia's dominant 170-run win, evoking reflections on Shane Warne's legacy in the post-Warne era of Australian spin bowling. Australia declared at 5/577, powered by Ricky Ponting's 99 and Shane Watson's 134, before Pakistan folded for 251 and 156. Warne, though retired since 2007, publicly endorsed spinner Nathan Hauritz's selection for the match, highlighting the transition in Australia's attack as Hauritz took 2/35 and 3/49. Australia's 184-run victory over in the 2024 Boxing Day Test, under ' captaincy, sealed a 2-1 series lead and drew a record aggregate attendance of 373,691 across five days at the . Australia posted 474 in their first innings, with Steve Smith scoring 119, before restricting to 228 and 155 in their second, where Cummins took 3/59 and 3/28. The win, Cummins' standout performance earning him honors, was witnessed by massive crowds, including 89,369 on day one, surpassing historical benchmarks.

Awards and Traditions

Individual Awards

The Man of the Match award has been presented in Boxing Day Tests since the to honor the standout individual performer based on their overall contribution to the match outcome. This recognition typically factors in batting, bowling, and fielding impacts, with recipients often delivering match-defining performances in high-stakes encounters at the (MCG). Notable examples include in the 2008 Test against , where he claimed 10 wickets across two (5/87 and 5/67) while scoring 76 runs to help secure a nine-wicket victory. Similarly, earned the award in the 1992 Boxing Day Test against with second-innings figures of 7/52, dismantling the batting lineup to seal 's 139-run win. Since 2020, the Man of the Match in the Boxing Day Test has also received the Johnny Mullagh Medal, named after the Indigenous Australian cricketer Unaarrimin (Johnny Mullagh), who captained the 1868 Aboriginal team on their groundbreaking tour of , where he scored over 1,700 runs and took 245 wickets in 45 matches. The medal, designed to resemble the original belt buckle from that tour, is presented annually by a descendant of the 1868 team as part of Cricket Australia's Reconciliation Action Plan, emphasizing Mullagh's pioneering role in Australian cricket history. The award criteria mirror the Man of the Match selection, focusing on exceptional all-round impact in the fixture. Recipients include (2020, for 112 and 49 runs leading India's 8-wicket win), (2021, with 6/81 on debut), David Warner (2022, scoring 200 in the first innings), (2023, with 4 wickets and key batting), and again (2024, for 49 runs, 6 wickets, and captaincy in Australia's victory). In multi-Test series featuring the Boxing Day match, such as the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, standout Boxing Day performers have occasionally been named Player of the Series for their broader contributions, though the award prioritizes cumulative impact across the tour. For instance, Jasprit Bumrah's 32 wickets in the 2024-25 series, including key dismissals at the , earned him the Player of the Series award. Statistical leaders in Boxing Day Tests highlight exceptional individual feats that often align with award criteria. Alastair Cook's 244 for in 2017 stands as the highest score by a visiting batsman, anchoring a total of 491. On the bowling front, Shane Warne's 7/52 for against in 1992 remains among the best figures, while Dennis Lillee's 7/83 against in 1981 contributed to a 58-run victory. These performances underscore the high-pressure environment of the fixture, where individual excellence can decisively influence results.

Cultural Traditions and Impact

The Boxing Day Test fosters a vibrant array of cultural traditions that blend cricket with Australia's holiday festivities. Pre-match Christmas carols are often sung by crowds at the (MCG), evoking the seasonal spirit shortly after Christmas celebrations. Spectators frequently don costumes, adding a playful, festive element to the atmosphere as seen during matches where fans in holiday attire cheer from the stands. Family picnics in the adjacent Yarra Park have become a staple, allowing attendees to combine the match with relaxed outdoor gatherings typical of Australian summer holidays. Enthusiasts mark "Test Eve"—the day before the match—as a time of heightened anticipation, akin to a cricket-focused , with buzz and informal fan events building excitement. Fan engagement at the Boxing Day Test remains exceptionally high, underscoring its status as a national highlight. The event consistently draws record-breaking attendances, exemplified by the 2024 Australia vs. match, which saw 373,691 spectators over five days—the highest ever for a Test in . This surge reflects the match's enduring appeal, particularly during high-profile series like , where rivalry chants from partisan crowds amplify the electric atmosphere and deepen the cultural rivalry between and . Economically, the Boxing Day Test provides substantial benefits to Victoria, generating over AUD 90 million in 2017 alone through , ticket sales, broadcasting rights, and related spending. The influx of interstate and international visitors boosts local hotels, restaurants, and retail, with recent iterations contributing to the MCG's annual economic input exceeding AUD 700 million across all events. On a social level, the Test promotes Indigenous cricket through the Johnny Mullagh Medal, awarded to the since 2020 in honor of pioneering Aboriginal cricketer Johnny Mullagh, encouraging greater participation and recognition of First Nations contributions to the sport. However, the format faces challenges from the rise of shorter T20 competitions like the (BBL), which attract younger audiences with faster-paced action and potentially erode the traditional draw of multi-day Tests among new generations.

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