What is the significance of this historical match and how did it get its name?

The fourth match of the five-match Test series between India and Australia will be played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) from December 26. This test is called Boxing Day Test, which is one of the most prestigious matches of cricket. But do you know, why is it called Boxing Day Test and how did this tradition start? Let us know the stories behind this historic day and match.

What is the history of Boxing Day Test?

The Boxing Day Test was first played in 1950.

• This tradition is prevalent in England, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, where Test matches starting on 26 December are called the Boxing Day Test.
• This day has no direct relation with cricket. Its name is derived from traditions associated with Christmas boxes and gifts for the poor.
• India has played 16 Boxing Day Tests so far.

Why is it called Boxing Day?

Some popular stories related to the name of Boxing Day:

1. Church Tradition:
   • During Christmas a box is kept in the church, in which people give gifts and donations for the poor and needy.
   • This box is opened on 26th December and the goods are distributed.
2. Respect for workers:
   • This day is celebrated to appreciate those who work without taking leave on Christmas day.
   • Cricketers also play on this day, hence it was associated with cricket.
3. Christmas Box Tradition:
   • In western countries, people give gift boxes to each other on 26 December.
   • It is also called St. Stephen’s Day.

Boxing Day begins in cricket

Boxing Day in cricket started in Melbourne in 1892.

• A match was played between Victoria and New South Wales as part of the Sheffield Shield tournament at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
• The first international Boxing Day Test was played in the Ashes series between England and Australia in 1950–51.

1974-75: From this year onwards, a tradition of starting the Test match in Melbourne on 26 December was created. Since then, all Boxing Day Tests in Australia are played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Boxing Day Test record between India and Australia

• Both the teams have played 9 Boxing Day Tests so far.
  • India won twice.
  • Australia won 5 times.
  • 2 matches were drawn.

Important matches:

1. 2018: Under the captaincy of Virat Kohli, India won by 137 runs.
2. 2020: Under the captaincy of Ajinkya Rahane, India won by 8 wickets.

India’s performance in Melbourne

The Melbourne Cricket Ground has been lucky for the Indian team.

• 1978: India defeated Australia for the first time here.
• 2018-19: Under the captaincy of Kohli, India won the Test series in Australia for the first time by registering victory in Melbourne.

Overall performance of Indian team

• India has played a total of 16 Boxing Day Tests so far.
  • 4 wins.
  • 10 defeats.
  • 2 draws.

Virat Kohli’s record in Melbourne

• Kohli has scored 316 runs in 3 tests here at an average of 52.66.
• His performance included one century and two half-centuries.
• Kohli’s 2018 performance at the MCG was memorable when he led the team to a historic win.