It doesn’t get more exhilarating than this, and it certainly doesn’t get grander! We’re talking about the iconic MCG Boxing Day Test, a spectacle that shattered records and captured hearts.
A staggering 373,000 passionate fans packed the stands across five unforgettable days, smashing an 87-year-old attendance record. Over 1,200 runs and 40 wickets were unleashed in a whirlwind of breathtaking cricket, with a remarkable 404 overs completed.
The drama reached its peak in the final hour of the last session, where the outcome was decided in an electric finish. For five days, the MCG was alive with unmatched intensity, offering an unrelenting rush of action. It was five days of the crowd’s thunderous roars and the rhythmic beat of drums, five days of pure, unbridled entertainment that will live on in the memory of every spectator.
Here are a few moments from the Boxing Day Test match that make it the greatest in history.
Steve Smith’s 140
Steve Smith sparked a thrilling resurgence with a dazzling century, leading Australia’s charge as they dominated India on day two of the fourth Test in Melbourne.
After breaking a long wait for a century in the third Test in Brisbane, Smith wasted no time in backing it up with a fearless 140. His stunning knock powered Australia to a formidable 474 in their first innings.
The 35-year-old’s 34th Test century not only reaffirmed his brilliance but also propelled him into a tie for seventh on the all-time list, joining legends like Brian Lara and Sunil Gavaskar in a prestigious group.
Konstas’ 60 on debut
Sam Konstas made a sensational debut in Test cricket, lighting up the field with an explosive 60 off just 65 balls. His fearless approach helped Australia surge to 112 for one by lunch.
Though Jasprit Bumrah initially posed a challenge with his pace, Konstas quickly found his rhythm. He reverse-swept Bumrah for a classy boundary and unleashed two towering sixes, one of which flew over mid-on with power.
His aggressive style not only thrilled the crowd but also proved why he deserved his place in the team. Though Ravindra Jadeja eventually got the better of him, Konstas’ impact was already felt.
Impressively, he became the youngest player since Ricky Ponting to score twin centuries in a Shield game, marking the beginning of what promises to be an exciting career.
Reddy’s emotional maiden century
In a moment of pure cricketing magic, 21-year-old Nitish Kumar Reddy etched his name in history by scoring his debut Test century on the grand stage of the Boxing Day Test at the MCG!
Facing the pressure of a looming rain delay, Reddy’s century came off 171 balls, and just as he was on the brink of being stranded on 99, a resilient Mohammed Siraj kept his cool against Pat Cummins’ fiery deliveries, giving Reddy the chance to complete his milestone.
The crowd of 83,073 erupted as Reddy reached three figures, and in a touching tribute, he knelt down and saluted the stands—while his proud father, Mutalya, looked on, visibly emotional.
This incredible knock also made Reddy the highest-ever Test scorer for India at No.8 in Australia, joining the ranks of cricketing legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Sunil Gavaskar, and Virat Kohli, as one of the few Indians to hit a Test century at the iconic MCG.
Konstas v Kohli
India’s cricket legend Virat Kohli has been hit with a 20% fine of his match fee following an intense altercation with Australia’s rising star, Sam Konstas, on Day 1 of the fourth Test.
It all kicked off after Kohli seemed to intentionally shoulder-barge the 19-year-old opener as Konstas walked down the pitch. The two exchanged some fiery words, but thankfully, Khawaja and the umpires stepped in to cool things down.
Match referee Andy Pycroft determined Kohli had breached ICC rules on “inappropriate physical contact,” handing him a fine and a demerit point. Despite the incident, Kohli is still available for the fifth and final Test in Sydney this month.
Bumrah’s nine-wicket haul
In a match where India faced a crushing 185-run defeat at the MCG, Jasprit Bumrah still managed to steal the show and create history! The 31-year-old star bowler took a staggering 9 wickets in the match, including a sensational five-wicket haul in the second innings, showing his unparalleled skill and determination.
Ending 2024 with 71 wickets in 13 matches at a jaw-dropping strike rate of 14.92 and average of 30.16, Bumrah capped off an unforgettable year. On Day 5 of the fourth Test, he nearly single-handedly gave India a glimmer of hope for an impossible victory with his incredible performance.
Lyon and Boland’s partnership
In a dramatic twist during the fourth Test against India at the MCG, Australian bowlers Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland made history with an incredible 10th-wicket partnership!
The duo survived for 50 balls across both innings—becoming just the second-ever pair to achieve such a feat. Their gritty resistance frustrated India’s bowlers, who were pushing for a dominant victory to take control of the series.
After Australia found themselves in a perilous position at 91/6, Lyon and Boland’s crucial partnership turned the tide, finishing Day 4 at 228/9 and leading by a commanding 333 runs.
Cummins’ man-of-the-match performance
Pat Cummins was named Man of the Match after an outstanding performance, claiming 6 wickets and contributing 90 runs in the fourth Test against India at the MCG. 🌟
Cummins drew comparisons to his heroics in last year’s Ashes opener, where he played a pivotal role in Australia’s chase of 281, and this epic win had similar significance. His all-round brilliance was a key factor in Australia’s commanding victory, showcasing his leadership and match-winning ability.
Record-Breaking Crowd at the MCG for Boxing Day Test
History was made at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground as a staggering 373,691 fans packed the stands for the Boxing Day Test between Australia and India.
This remarkable attendance shattered the previous record of 350,534 from the 1937 Australia-England Test, where none other than the great Don Bradman scored a legendary 270. Now, the MCG has set a new benchmark for the largest Test crowd in Australian history.
With 74,362 spectators on the final day, the atmosphere was electric, making this Boxing Day Test one to remember for generations.
What Next?
Australia is now just one victory away from reclaiming the prestigious Border-Gavaskar Trophy, as they triumphed in the most dramatic of circumstances on the final day of the fourth Test against India. With the series now at 2-1 in favour of the Aussies, the stage is set for a thrilling decider in Sydney on Friday.
Now, as the final Test in Sydney beckons, Australia is on the cusp of glory. With the series still alive, the energy and excitement are only set to build. If the Aussies can maintain their relentless pace and continue to harness this incredible momentum, they’ll be poised to wrest the Border-Gavaskar Trophy away from India for the first time since 2017.
