Boxing Day Ashes Test draws nearly 100,000 fans

Melbourne witnessed a powerful reminder of Test cricket’s enduring charm as tens of thousands of fans poured into stadiums to watch the longest format of the game.

The Boxing Day Ashes Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) drew a crowd of 93,442 spectators, reaffirming that Test cricket continues to captivate audiences despite the rise of faster, flashier formats.

The massive turnout at the MCG highlighted the lasting emotional pull of the Boxing Day Test, an event that has become a tradition for cricket lovers in Australia and around the world. The sea of fans filling the historic venue sent a clear message: interest in Test cricket remains strong in the modern era.

On the field, England delivered an impressive performance on the opening day, bowling Australia out for a modest 152 runs. After winning the toss, England captain Ben Stokes opted to field first, a decision that paid off handsomely under cloudy skies that favored the fast bowlers.

Australia’s innings never found momentum. Openers Travis Head and Jack Wetherald were dismissed early, setting the tone for a difficult day. Key batters Marnus Labuschagne and skipper Steve Smith were unable to build substantial partnerships, as England’s pace attack kept constant pressure on the hosts.

Josh Tongue led the charge with a standout five-wicket haul, while Gus Atkinson provided crucial support at the other end. For Australia, Michael Neser offered some resistance down the order, finishing as the top scorer with 35 runs.

Although Australia have already secured the Ashes in the ongoing series, England’s showing in Melbourne came as a timely boost. The strong performance lifted morale for a side that has faced criticism over alleged lapses in professionalism earlier in the tour.

The MCG has long been a stage for record-breaking crowds, having hosted iconic moments across multiple sports, including World Cup finals, Olympic events, and AFL grand finals. Yet, the Boxing Day Test continues to hold a unique place in the hearts of fans, blending tradition, atmosphere, and high-quality cricket.

As nearly 100,000 spectators demonstrated on Boxing Day, Test cricket remains very much alive – and capable of drawing crowds that few sporting events can match.