Why is the Boxing Day Test played? Know what is its history

A 5-match Test series is being played between India and Australia under the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Both the teams have played three matches so far, out of which both the teams have won 1-1 match, while one match has been a draw. Now the fourth test match will be played in Melbourne from 26 December. Let us tell you that this test is called Boxing Day Test.

What is Boxing Day Test?

Boxing Day Test is a match which is played every year on 26 December i.e. the day after Christmas. The fourth Test between India and Australia will be played at the Melbourne Cricket Stadium from December 26, the next day after Christmas. It is called Boxing Day. Melbourne usually hosts the Boxing Day Test every year, but the day is now celebrated in other parts of the world as well.

In which countries is Boxing Day celebrated?

Boxing Day is celebrated one day after Christmas. The United Kingdom and other countries that were once part of the British Empire celebrate this day. It was first celebrated in Melbourne. Later many other countries including Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Nigeria, Trinidad and South Africa joined it.

Why is Boxing Day celebrated?

It is said that during the reign of Queen Victoria, servants of the British Empire were given Christmas gifts from the hands of their king or queen. These gifts were called Christmas boxes and since then 26 December has been known as Boxing Day.

History of Boxing Day Test

The first Test match on Boxing Day was held in 1968 during the West Indies’ tour of Australia. In such a situation, Australia has been organizing Test matches every year on Boxing Day since 1980. Although Australia hosted an ODI match against Sri Lanka in 1989, the Boxing Day Test could not be arranged.

gaba test was a draw

The Gabba Test between India and Australia was a draw. Talking about the match, Australia, batting first, scored 445 runs with the help of centuries from Travis Head and Steve Smith, in front of this score, Team India was all out for 260 runs. However, India managed to save the follow-on. With a lead of 185 runs, Australia declared the second innings at 89 runs at the loss of 7 wickets and gave India a target of 275 runs. By the time the rain finally arrived, India had scored 8 runs without losing any wicket. After this the match was not played due to rain and the test was a draw.