'Boxing Day Test is like an annual pilgrimage'

MELBOURNE, December 24: There is something about the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) that makes it one of the few stand-out sporting arenas of the world. Unlike Englishmen, the Aussies are not overtly fond of tradition, but when it comes to the MCG and the Boxing Day Test match, even the most hard-nosed Melbournian will not shy away from making a beeline to the MCG to soak in the atmosphere.This year, it will be doubly special because the Boxing Day Test match will also be MCG’s 100th Test.
"The Boxing Day Test match is more like a social event in the Australian calendar. For Victorians, it’s come to be a part of their sporting life. There is a sense of occasion and plenty of tradition to go with it. Cricket is secondary for a change. People lining up to get into the MCG on the morning of the match are simply going there on an annual pilgrimage to the holy shrine of cricket in Australia," said Jon Pierik, Herald Sun’s senior cricket writer, who is from Melbourne.
Cricket, of course, is not the only game that’s played at the MCG, which is also home to Australian Rules Football — by far the most popular sport Down Under. The grand finals are held on the last Saturday of September at the MCG, which is usually packed to its full capacity.
Pierik, who has covered cricket all over the world, rates the MCG among the best sporting facilities in the world. "The MCG has seen two major renovations since the 1990s and each time it has added new facilities and acquired a more modern look. Apart from cricket and Aussies rules football, the MCG regularly hosts football matches, too," he added. The first phase of its renovation had been carried out prior to the 1992 World Cup, when the Southern Stands were razed to the ground and rebuilt to give the stadium a more circular look.
In 2005-06, the Northern Stands were demolished and rebuilt to reinforce the circular look. A new members’ area has also come up along with a swanky new indoor practice facility. The redesigning has cost the MCG about 10,000 seats, but it now looks much better and is certainly more spectator-friendly.
Cricket Australia has named the various gates at the MCG after its legends like Don Bradman and Bill Ponsford, and also put up bronze statues of a host of top Australian sportspersons along the periphery of the stadium which is lit up hundreds of halogen lamps from the six huge towers surrounding the edifice. The Indian team is looking forward to playing another Boxing Day tie.
For Sachin, it will be his fourth Boxing Day Test, while VVS Laxman is looking forward to playing in his third. Ganguly, of course, will be playing his 100th Test.