‘Boxing Day’ brings with it cricket action. Australia will play Pakistan in the second Test of the series, while India will play South Africa in the first Test of the two-match assignment. Cricket organizations aim to arrange major international matches on this day each year, and this year is no exception, with two major tournaments planned. But why is ‘Boxing Day’ such a unique sporting event? Scroll down to read An Overview Of Boxing Day In Cricket | History & More.
In sports, Boxing Day signifies the first day back on the field following Christmas. December 26 is known as “Boxing Day” everywhere in the world each year. However, the word “boxing” has nothing to do with how it is used in sports.
An Overview Of Boxing Day In Cricket | History & More
What is Boxing Day?
Although the history of the day is unknown, a generally accepted idea contends that the name comes from the custom of wealthy individuals giving gifts and cash in the form of a “Christmas Box” to tradespeople and servants on the day following Christmas. A year of service used to be considered reward enough for the box.
Boxing Day is thought to have originated from the post-Christmas custom of churches setting boxes outside their doors to gather money for the less fortunate and to decorate for Christmas. According to a different belief, it originates from Britain’s illustrious naval heritage and the times when long-haul ships would keep a sealed box of cash on board.
If the journey was successful, a priest would receive the box and deliver it to the underprivileged.
What is Boxing Day in cricket?
Boxing Day cricket is nothing new. The 19th century is when the custom first appeared.
The beginning of Boxing Day matches in Australia is generally believed to have occurred during a Sheffield Shield match between Victoria and New South Wales at the Melbourne Cricket Ground back in 1865. Australia and Pakistan will play cricket at the MCG on Boxing Day, 2023.
The Boxing Day Tests have grown in importance on cricket boards’ global schedules over time. Families and friends typically show up to the stadiums to watch cricket matches.
The two countries where Boxing Day Test matches are primarily scheduled are Australia and South Africa.
Overview Of Boxing Day
This is a summary of all the information you require for the Boxing Day Test matches.
In sports, Boxing Day honors the first day back on the field following Christmas. In all sports worldwide, December 26 is known as “Boxing Day” each year.
A customary and important aspect of international cricket, especially in nations like Australia and South Africa, is the Boxing Day Tests.
The name “Boxing Day” is generally believed to have originated from the custom of wealthy families packing boxes full of gifts and presents for the underprivileged as a “thank you” for working on Christmas, even though there is no hard proof of this.
This is a summary of all the information you require for Boxing Day Test matches:
Tradition
Boxing Day is December 26, the day following Christmas Day. Boxing Day cricket matches have been a tradition since the late 1800s.
Australia’s Boxing Day matches are thought to have originated from a Sheffield Shield match between Victoria and New South Wales played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground during the Christmas season in 1865.
HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE
Test matches on Boxing Day usually attract sizable attendance, which makes them a major source of income for cricket boards in addition to providing supporters with a joyous event.
The festive season and the summertime temperatures in the southern hemisphere combine to produce a distinctive and exciting atmosphere during the Boxing Day Tests.
In countries where cricket is played, the Boxing Day Test has become an iconic event, with families and friends frequently making the matches a part of their holiday customs.
PRIMARY PARTICIPATING COUNTRIES
Test matches for Boxing Day are primarily played in South Africa and Australia.
The well-known locations for the Boxing Day Tests are the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Australia and SuperSport Park in Centurion, South Africa.
Since 1950, the MCG has hosted the Boxing Day Tests. With more than 100,000 seats, it is one of the most recognizable and sizable cricket stadiums in the world.
STATS
The first-ever “Boxing Day Test” was held during the second Ashes Test in 1950–51 between Australia and England. Australia won the five-match series 4-1 and the Test by a margin of 28 runs.
47 Boxing Day Tests have been played in Australia. It has nine draws, 10 losses, and 28 victories.
With four victories in the Boxing Day Test series versus Australia, England is the second-most successful team. Each of South Africa, India, and the West Indies has two victories.
This year’s Boxing Day Tests will see South Africa face India at the SuperSport Park in Centurion, while Australia plays Pakistan at the MCG in Melbourne.
How has India performed in test matches on Boxing Day?
In 1985, two years after winning their first World Cup, India took part in their first Boxing Day Test match. In their backyard, India defeated Australia by 183 runs thanks to team efforts in the first two innings. However, Allan Border’s 163 meant that Australia scored enough runs to escape with a draw.
India only had one Boxing Day Test in 1998 in New Zealand, after playing their first in South Africa in 1992.
| Year | Opposition | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 | Australia | Melbourne | Draw |
| 1991 | Australia | Melbourne | Lost by 8 wickets |
| 1992 | South Africa | Gqeberha | Lost by 9 wickets |
| 1996 | South Africa | Durban | Lost by 328 runs |
| 1998 | New Zealand | Wellington | Lost by 4 wickets |
| 1999 | Australia | Melbourne | Lost by 180 runs |
| 2003 | Australia | Melbourne | Lost by 9 wickets |
| 2006 | South Africa | Durban | Lost by 174 runs |
| 2007 | Australia | Melbourne | Lost by 337 runs |
| 2010 | South Africa | Durban | Won by 87 runs |
| 2011 | Australia | Melbourne | Lost by 122 runs |
| 2013 | South Africa | Durban | Lost by 10 wickets |
| 2014 | Australia | Melbourne | Draw |
| 2018 | Australia | Melbourne | Won by 137 runs |
| 2020 | Australia | Melbourne | Won by 8 wickets |
| 2021 | South Africa | Centurion | Won by 113 runs |
In two days, India will play their next Boxing Day Test match at Centurion, the same stadium where they defeated South Africa in 2021. It would be India’s third Boxing Day Test triumph in South Africa if they win this match.
