India vs Australia at MCG records biggest Boxing Day Test attendance

With thousands turning up for the India vs Australia fourth Test despite stiff conditions over the four days, it has registered a record for the most attended Boxing Day Test in history.


After three consecutive days of 80,000-plus attendance, Sunday, the fourth day of the fourth match in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, witnessed a sharp fall with 43,867 coming through the turnstiles.




Yet, it was enough to take the tally for the match to 299,329 fans. It is the most for a Boxing Day Test - surpassing the previous highest of 271,865 for the 2013 Ashes Test against England.


Meanwhile, the previous record for an Australia-India Boxing Day Test was 194,481 established in 2014.



Saturday had attracted 83,073 fans, a record for Day 3 of a Boxing Day Test. It was also the largest crowd for Day 3 of a match in Australia since 87,798 witnessed Sir Donald Bradman bat in 1937.


The record attendance at the MCG stands at 350,534 in the 1936-37 Ashes series, however it was played over six days. As things stand, Day 5 needs 51,205 to break that tally.




On the opening two days, the fourth Test saw a turnout of 87,242 and 85,147 fans respectively.


Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley said India fans had come to the MCG from all around the world.


"I think what's been particularly special about this series is the number of India fans, from not just India but all around the world," Hockley said.


"I have met fans from the UK, from Canada, from the US.


"Obviously it is a fantastic time of year but it talks to, the MCG has almost got this spiritual place in cricketing folklore."


Australia, who fought with its rear order on Day 4, will go into Day 5 with a solid 333 run lead at their disposal. They will be keen on taking the lead in the BGT with the fifth and final Test to be played in Sydney from 3 January.

Catch Lovlina Borgohain's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 5. Watch Here