In a resounding testament to the enduring magic of Test cricket, the recently concluded Boxing Day clash between Australia and India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) has shattered attendance records, with a staggering 351,000 fans pouring through the turnstiles over five enthralling days of play. This figure surpasses the previous record of 350,534 set way back in 1937 during a six-day Ashes encounter at the same iconic venue, where the legendary Don Bradman crafted a majestic 270 in one of his most celebrated innings.
A Boxing Day Bonanza
The Boxing Day Test, a long-standing tradition in the Australian cricket calendar, has once again proven its unparalleled ability to draw in the masses. Despite scorching temperatures nudging 40°C on the opening day, which saw a relatively modest turnout of 87,242 against a sold-out capacity of 91,112, the subsequent days witnessed an unrelenting surge of spectators eager to soak in the electrifying atmosphere.
Joel Morrison, Cricket Australia’s general manager for events and operations, expressed his elation at the overwhelming response, stating that officials had been “blown away” by the unwavering support from fans throughout the match. “The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is a blockbuster event, and it has been fantastic to see such strong attendances right across the summer,” he added, underscoring the immense drawing power of this storied rivalry.
Defying the Odds
The record-breaking attendance is all the more remarkable given the challenges posed by the ongoing pandemic and the rise of shorter formats like T20 cricket. Many had feared that the traditional five-day game was losing its luster in an era of instant gratification, but the unwavering passion displayed by fans at the MCG has emphatically dispelled such concerns.
A big thank you to Australian cricket fans for your ongoing support of our great game.
– Joel Morrison, Cricket Australia’s general manager for events and operations
An Indian Summer
A significant portion of the record-breaking crowd was composed of Indian supporters, their vibrant presence adding an extra dimension to the already electric atmosphere. Morrison lauded their contributions, emphasizing that it “demonstrates the power of cricket to bring communities together.”
The fervent Indian support is a testament to the country’s unparalleled cricket obsession and the growing economic clout of its diaspora. As the cricketing axis continues to tilt towards the subcontinent, marquee clashes against India are increasingly seen as the ultimate prize for host nations, both in terms of prestige and financial windfall.
Test Cricket’s Bright Future
The resounding success of the Boxing Day Test is a timely riposte to those who have been quick to write off the longest format of the game. While the Ashes will always retain its pride of place as cricket’s most storied rivalry, the burgeoning competition between Australia and India, fueled by the insatiable cricketing appetite and economic might of the latter, is rapidly emerging as a worthy contender for the title of Test cricket’s most bankable contest.
Test cricket, at least among these three nations, appears in good health.
As the curtain falls on this record-breaking spectacle, the cricketing world can breathe a collective sigh of relief. The heaving stands and palpable excitement at the MCG have sent out an unequivocal message – Test cricket is alive and thriving, and its devoted fans will continue to flock to the hallowed grounds where history is forever in the making. With the women’s Ashes Test scheduled to grace the MCG in January, the future of cricket’s oldest and most challenging format looks brighter than ever.
