The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) recorded a massive attendance of 94,199 spectators on the opening day of the Boxing Day Test, marking the highest crowd ever for a cricket match at the iconic venue.
The historic turnout surpassed the previous record of 93,013, set during the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup final between Australia and New Zealand.
It also established a new benchmark for the highest-attended single day of Test cricket, eclipsing the 91,112 spectators who attended Day 1 of the 2013 Boxing Day Test between Australia and England at the MCG.
This year’s record-breaking Day 1 crowd, combined with sold-out Days 2 and 3, puts the Ashes’ cumulative attendance record of 271,865—also set in 2013—within reach.
Australia currently lead the Ashes series 3–0, with one Test, in Sydney, remaining after the Boxing Day Test.
Melbourne hosted the inaugural Boxing Day Test in 1950. Since then, Cricket Australia (CA) has held contractual rights to use the MCG until the end of March each summer, despite the venue often being used for Australian Rules football during that period. Earlier this year, CA extended its venue hire agreement with the MCG through the 2030–31 summer.
The iconic ground will also host a historic one-off day-night Test between arch-rivals Australia and England in March 2027 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the first Test match. It will mark the first time Australia’s men’s team plays a pink-ball Test at the MCG.
With enormous crowds expected across the five days from March 11 to 15 for the landmark 150th Anniversary Test, CA has opened a ticket ballot for the first time in its history.
The ballot opened on December 23 and will run until February 6, 2026. Entries will be randomised, with successful applicants to be notified by February 13.
–IANS
