Overview
The Boxing Day Test is an iconic sporting fixture on the world cricket calendar, and eagerly anticipated each year by sports-loving Victorians and international visitors alike.
Taking place over five days at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) – known affectionately to locals as ‘the G’ – the Boxing Day Test brings together Australia’s best batters, bowlers and all-rounders to compete against talented touring international teams, including England, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, India, South Africa, New Zealand and the West Indies.
While cricket has been played over the summer period at the MCG since the late 19th century, the Boxing Day Test as we know it originated in the 1980s. Since then, millions of passionate cricket lovers have watched the players in white compete on the pitch annually.
Fast facts
Where: Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)
When: 26 December to 30 December each year
Attendance: Up to 80,000 or 90,000 fans each day (the MCG has capacity of 100,000)
What to bring: Hat, sunblock, water bottle – and ready hands in case a six comes your way
