Boxing Day Test: History, Teams, and Why It's Cricket's Grand Spectacle

• The Boxing Day Test is a historic cricket match starting December 26, named after the tradition of distributing gifts in boxes.
• The tradition began with Australia vs England in 1950; since 1980, it's an annual event at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
• Australia is always the host, playing against a touring team; other nations like South Africa and New Zealand also host Boxing Day Tests.
• Known for massive crowds (80,000-90,000 spectators on day one at MCG), significant economic impact, and a special legacy.
• It's a major sporting festival in the global cricket calendar, with teams like India having a history of notable victories at the MCG.

Why It Matters: The Boxing Day Test is a unique cricket tradition, a global festival of sport and history.