Boxing Day Tests are a highlight of the cricket calendar. These iconic matches have produced unforgettable moments from the Ashes to some memorable matches involving the Proteas.
The history is rich, from nail-biting finishes to dominant displays. Some of the most memorable moments in Test cricket history have been in Boxing Day tests, which fans have enjoyed around the world.
The Origins of Boxing Day Tests
Boxing Day Tests began in Melbourne in 1950. Australia hosted England in the inaugural match but Boxing Day was the fourth day. In the 1970s and 1980s, the tradition of having Tests start on 26 December became normalised.
Since then, the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) has been central. It remains the most famous venue for Boxing Day cricket.
Australia vs. England, 1982
The 1982 Boxing Day Test is legendary. England won by just three runs in a fixture, setting the tone for Boxing Day Tests to become an integral part of cricket history.
This thrilling finish cemented the MCG’s place in cricket history. It remains one of the closest Ashes matches ever. England’s Norman Cowan was the Player of the Match with figures of 2/69 & 6/77.
South Africa vs. India, 1996
South Africa, alongside Australia, regularly hosts Boxing Day Tests. The tradition began in 1992. In 1996, India played their second Boxing Day Test in South Africa.
India, led by a young Sachin Tendulkar, chose to field first. Andrew Hudson top-scored for South Africa with 80 runs, as they posted 235. Venkatesh Prasad took five wickets.
India’s batting collapsed, managing just 100 runs. Allan Donald claimed a five-wicket haul. In the second innings, Prasad took another five wickets. Hudson, Adam Bacher, and Brian McMillan all hit half-centuries, setting India a target of 395. The Indian batting crumbled again, scoring just 66. South Africa won by 395 runs, one of the largest margins at the time.
Australia vs. South Africa, 2008
Australia were the dominant team in the cricket world for much of the early 2000s. Players like Ricky Ponting, Glenn McGrath, Brett Lee and Shane Warne defined the era. Arguably, South Africa’s Boxing Day Test win at the MCG in 2008 was the end of their dynasty.
The Proteas took a 1-0 lead into the Boxing Day clash, the second of three Tests in the series. Australia got 394 all out in the first innings and South Africa scored 459 to take a narrow lead. Subsequently, Australia were bowled out for 247 in their second innings and South Africa eased to a nine-wicket win with 1/183.
Australia vs. India, 2018
The Boxing Day Test in 2018 will never be forgotten. For Australia, it was a nightmare, but for India, it was a dream.
India created history in Melbourne under Virat Kohli. On Australian soil, they achieved their first-ever Boxing Day Test victory. India won the toss and decided to bat. They reached 443 thanks to 106 from Cheteshwar Pujara and 82 from Kohli. Australia was under pressure after a declaration terminated the innings. In response, Australia collapsed for a mere 151 runs.
In the second innings, India gave Australia a target of 399. The hosts fell 137 runs short, managing just 261. Jasprit Bumrah was named Man of the Match for his nine wickets throughout the game. India would go on to claim their first Test series win in Australia in the next game.
Australia (1.80) will once again host India (2.25) in a Boxing Day Test at the MCG this year. Easybet will have odds for this fixture.
