A Boxing Day Test match is something that cricket fans are always eager about when it comes to enjoying the beauty of the red-ball format. However, there is a specific reason behind this being called by the said name. The significance behind a Boxing Day game is usually associated with Christmas and December 26 has been a significant day in the cricketing calendar since as early as the 1800s. The major cricketing boards make sure to play a red-ball game on this day, specifically to be a part of the most-anticipated clash every year.
As said earlier, the Boxing Day history belongs to the nineteenth century, and the first Boxing Day Test was held between Victoria and New South Wales at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), back in 1865. The ‘G’ has, since then, been an iconic ground, and has been the only venue where a cricket match is played on this day and has become a ritual. On a winter afternoon, people celebrate this day by going to the ground with their loved ones.
The most followed belief of Boxing Day is to keep boxes out of the poor’s houses to make the festive day enjoyable for them. This is done to collect money so that the less privileged section of society can also celebrate the auspicious festival with their friends and families. Thus, the day after Christmas is celebrated through sports with an idealistic cause behind the same.
It is worth mentioning that a Boxing Day Test holds an indispensable significance in countries like South Africa and Australia. This year, Australia and Pakistan will be locking horns at the MCG, while India will be taking on South Africa at the Centurion. The games are expected to have a fully-packed crowd cheering for their favourite teams. Both the games are a part of the World Test Championship (WTC) Cycle 2023-25, and teams will be looking forward to coming out on top once the game ends.