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DIZZY: My Boxing Day Test memories

Jason Gillespie and Brian Lara both played the last time the Windies defeated Australia. (AAP Photo/Julian Smith)
Expert
23rd December, 2014
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The Boxing Day Test is an institution, and I’m not just talking about the cricket match either.

For supporters, Day 1 of the Test rivals the AFL Grand Final for ‘must do’ activities. Whether you’re watching from home or at the ground, it’s an event in its own class. And for players the whole occasion is something to cherish.

The lead up to Day 1 is pretty special. It is obviously unique because of Christmas Day. After a ‘needs basis’ training session (which meant you only went to training if you felt you needed it. I didn’t, I always had my good hard bowl on Christmas Eve and only had a swim and stretch on Christmas Day), it was time to get together to celebrate the occasion.

When I played we celebrated Christmas in a big function room at Crown Casino. Families and friends spend time together with a beautiful lunch (all put on by Cricket Australia). There is all sorts of activities for the kids including face painting, games, magicians and of course a visit from a jolly old fellow in a red suit.

It was, and still is, a fantastic day. Admittedly, it can be a bit surreal simply because you are relaxing having a good time, but come tomorrow morning you are representing your country in a Test match at the famous MCG!

My wife and I were lucky enough to be at a few Christmas Days in Melbourne before the match – this was before we had children. I am sure it would be brilliant with our four crazy kids now, but alas my days of playing Test cricket are well and truly over and my bowling of cricket balls is now restricted to the nets at Yorkshire CCC!

The Secret Santa (Kris Kringle) draw would be done in the week before and presents are placed under the tree in the function room. I distinctly remember Tim Nielsen (then assistant coach) being as happy as a fat spider one year when he opened his SS present. Someone who knew Tim very well drew his name out of the hat. A six pack of Crown Lager and a voucher for a pint at the hotel bar made his day!

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I was lucky enough to play in a number of Boxing Day Test wins so they were all special. One game does stand out. Yes, I managed to pick up some wickets, however it was the singing of the team song in the Great Southern stand that sticks in my mind.

This was against the West Indies in 2000/01 and after we won the game (I did manage to bowl Brian Lara in this game for a duck with him shouldering arms) we had a few “cold treats” in the dressing room before the suggestion from the song custodian (Ricky Ponting) that we take the party up to the top of the Great Southern Stand and sing the team song.

Jason Gillespie and Brett Lee. Looking good chapsJason Gillespie and Brett Lee. (AAP Image/Julian Smith)

It was our 14th straight win in Test cricket, Tugga ( Steve Waugh) had got the man of the match award for his unbeaten century in the first innings, and I picked up nine wickets in the match.

We sang it loud and we sang it proud, like we always did. Before the singing of the song, the custodian will give a review of proceedings. This in turn leads him to mention significant performances from individuals which is acknowledged by the lads by way of loud cheers followed by pouring of “cold treats” over their heads!

If you ever wondered why players’ baggy green caps seem to deteriorate quickly, there’s your answer. Yes the sun plays a part, however some of the lads’ caps over the years have stunk to high heaven! I guess it’s a sign of performance!

The view over the great MCG is one I won’t forget in a hurry. Standing there with your mates singing the team song is one of the brilliant things about playing test cricket for Australia- it genuinely is one of those “money can’t buy” experiences.

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I will always remember Boxing Day Test extremely fondly, and in my humble opinion it is one of the great sporting experiences in world sport.

Merry Christmas everyone!

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