Boxing Day Test Match is one of the most anticipated events on the cricket calendar. This tradition is not merely a match a lot more than that. What makes this special? This piece offers a brief history of this iconic cricket tradition.
What is Boxing Day?
Before starting the discussion about Boxing Day Matches, it is important to understand what Boxing Day is. English author Charles Dickens coined the term “Boxing Day” in 1883. It is on December 26 every year and is a public holiday in commonwealth countries like England, New Zealand, South Africa, and Australia. It originates from the Victorian era and was a day of giving gifts to employees and less fortunate people.
Boxing Day Test Matches Origins
From 1865 Sheffield Shield match between New South Wales and Victoria was held during Christmas time at Melbourne and one of the days of this test match was on Boxing Day. It was a good opportunity to play cricket during the holiday season but there was one drawback of this fixture players were unable to spend time with their families during Christmas so this match was moved to January first.
During the 1950-51 Ashes series, the fourth day of the Melbourne test was on Boxing Day. From 1953 to 1967 no match was played on Boxing Day at Melbourne. In 1974 when the English team visited Australia Six test matches were scheduled which were more than usual so to compensate for this Melbourne Test which was also the third match of the series was started on 26 December, Boxing Day. From this day the tradition of Boxing Day test matches at MCG began as we know it today.
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How Kerry Packer Popularized Boxing Day Matches?
Although Test matches were played on Boxing Day in Melbourne there was nothing special about it just like any other test match. In 1979 Kerry Packer’s Network 9 Secured the TV rights for Australia’s home matches. Around that time Melbourne was trying to establish itself as a sporting hub to counter the declining manufacturing industry of the city.
These circumstances paired with Network 9’s aggressive marketing for the Boxing Day test at Melbourne made it a standout fixture and since it was on a public holiday people started tuning in to games and attending them in person. Watching Boxing Day games was indulged in the festive season and an important part of Australian Cricket Summer. In 1980, Cricket Australia officially recognized Boxing Day matches and ensured visiting teams played a test match against Australia on this day at MCG every year.
Boxing Day Test Beyond Australia
While Australia remains the epicenter of Boxing Day test matches over the years this tradition has spread globally. Durban has emerged as a prominent venue that hosts the Boxing Day Test Matches. New Zealand and some other countries have also recognized the importance of having test cricket around this time of year so it has also become a phenomenon in these countries beyond Australia as well.
Cultural Significance Of the Boxing Day Test
Boxing Day Test matches are more than just a game these matches have become part of the culture and the holiday season. Watching the Boxing Day game is a communal activity that people watch these game with their families and friends.
Over the recent years, Boxing Day matches have faced tough competition from the T20 games on Boxing Day. Big Bash League also has its own Boxing Day games which attract a lot of fans.
The Boxing Day Test has become a cherished tradition of cricket. it offers a mixture of history, rivalry, and celebration. It embodies the spirit of the holiday season and test cricket.
