Massive news for cricket fans as it’s confirmed the Boxing Day Test match WILL take place at the MCG with a crowd of 25,000 this year
- Authorities confirmed the Boxing Day test will be played at the MCG this year
- Fans will be able to attend, with spectators to be capped at 25,000 for the match
- A COVIDSafe plan will be in place so that fans can attend the test match safely
- Match will be Australia vs India in the second test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy
The Boxing Day Test match will be played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in front of 25,000 fans this year.
The announcement was made on Wednesday afternoon along with a new contract for the MCG that will see the next three Boxing Day Tests played at the venue until 2022.
This year’s edition will be the second test between Australia and India in their fight for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after opening the series with a day-night test at the Adelaide Oval.
The news is sure to make Melbourne cricket fans rejoice after a tough year amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Authorities confirmed the Boxing Day test will be played at the MCG this year. Pictured: Australian bowler Mitchell Marsh appeals for a wicket during the Boxing Day Test against India in 2018
‘Melbourne is Australia’s unchallenged sporting and events capital and the Boxing Day Test is one of the cornerstones of our renowned annual calendar,’ Victoria’s Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula said.
‘This has been a tough year and it will be just reward for many to have the opportunity to watch the Aussies take on India at our cathedral of sport. And to have the fixture locked in until 2022 is fantastic.’
Fans will be in attendance for the match, with the exact limit to be confirmed closer to the game, but numbers will be capped at 25,000 spectators.
The Victorian Government, MCC and Cricket Australia will develop a COVIDSafe plan based on up-to-date public health advice so fans can attend the test safely.
Fans will be able to attend this years match, with spectators to be capped at 25,000. Pictured: crowds pack into the MCG during the 2017 Boxing Day Test between Australia and England
‘Come Boxing Day, it will be 291 days since the MCG hosted Australia’s win in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup final – we can’t wait to host another iconic match at the MCG,’ Cricket Australian chairman Earl Eddings said.
India won the last Boxing Day Test between the two sides to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in 2018 and the world number-one ranked Aussies will be keen to win it back from the visitors this summer.
Australia will play six limited overs matches and four tests against India this summer, starting with a one day international in Sydney on November 27.
The match will be the first time India has played anywhere since March and the first time Australia has played at home since the same month.
The match will be Australia vs India in the second test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Pictured: Australian and Indian flags are waved in the MCG during the 2018 Boxing Day Test