A crowd at the MCG for the Boxing Day Test has all but been guaranteed by Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews as the state’s coronavirus restrictions were significantly eased.
After more than four months of a hard lockdown, Melbourne will start to open up after no COVID-19 cases were recorded in Victoria on Monday.
Cricket Australia is yet to lock in its international schedule for this summer which is highlighted by a blockbuster four-Test series against India.
Premier Andrews said restrictions being lifted meant it was too late for crowds to attend next month’s Melbourne Cup, but not for the biggest day in Australian cricket.
“The Boxing Day Test of course is very different because that is some way off,” he told reporters.
“I am very confident that we will get a crowd at the MCG for the Boxing Day Test.
“I don’t know how big it will be but there will be a crowd, that’s the advice that I have, that’s what we’re working towards.”
More than 80,000 people attended day one of last year’s Boxing Day Test as Australia crushed New Zealand.
In 2018 – the last time Virat Kohli’s India toured Australia – 73,516 fans were on hand at the MCG for day one.
The NSW government has signed off on Cricket Australia’s quarantine proposal, with an updated schedule for India’s tour expected to be finalised soon.
Micko
Roar Rookie
That was the third attempt at that comment which triggered the comments gulag for some reason. Have no idea what set it off. :laughing:
Jeff
Roar Rookie
The things you do when you're 15yo :happy:
Micko
Roar Rookie
I snuck in some Jim Beam to add to my coke a few times. :stoked: :thumbup:
Once Upon a Time on the Roar
Roar Guru
My test debut was at the Gabba in 1987-88. I was only 15 and obviously too young to drink but sitting not far away from me and my tee totalling maternal uncle on the Hill were a couple of dudes in their mid to late 20s with their aunty or mother and the whole day the three of them drank stubbies out of the esky they had brought in.
Micko
Roar Rookie
You have to tolerate a queue for security goons to go through it and check for alcohol, miscellaneous other prohibited things.
Micko
Roar Rookie
Ironically the other days of the Boxing Day Test are still most of the best attended Test match crowds in Australia and the rest of the world.
Nick
Roar Guru
Question - will the 5000 that turn up on day 3 be because of covid caps or cause no one cares after the marquee day is done?
Paul
Roar Guru
I'm guessing the members would have to go through a ballot process Ryan, but I'd have thought it would be first come, best dressed for the rest?
Once Upon a Time on the Roar
Roar Guru
True. Actually I would think there would be lots of blokes in a wild place like Afghanistan who are more than physically capable of bowling fast. If they can get enough of them to learn to regularly put the ball in the right spot etc they could be a real force one day.
JGK
Roar Guru
Smith tends not to score heavily in dead games.
Once Upon a Time on the Roar
Roar Guru
Unfortunately yes I would think. If Smith had made 313 or 248 not out he would have his average to that elusive 65 mark.
JGK
Roar Guru
Is it too late to get Afghanistan over?
Once Upon a Time on the Roar
Roar Guru
I didn't know eskies were still allowed at sporting grounds.
AREH
Roar Guru
Looking better than say a month or two ago! How will attendees be determined I wonder; a ballot?
fabian gulino
Roar Rookie
come on Aussies we must beat the Indians.
Neroli Walker
Guest
Boxing Day is my biggest celebration of the year. Every year there is around 10 of us, I do all the food, we buy a seat for the esky and everyone buys me a drink. After not being able to go to the footy all year, I would have been devastated if there was not a Test in Melbourne. Bring it on - the tradition will continue!
Paul
Roar Guru
That's real good news. Even if it's not a full house because of virus precautions, it's great the BD Test will be in Melbourne and people will be able to watch live. Just need the weather to co-operate and it should be a terrific day.