Mon Dec 30 07:15:51 UTC 2024: **Melbourne Cricket Ground Smashes Attendance Record for Boxing Day Test**
**Melbourne, Australia –** The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) has set a new Australian record for Test match attendance, with over 350,000 fans flocking to the stadium for the Boxing Day Test between Australia and India. This surpasses the previous record of 350,534 set in 1937 during an Ashes match.
The five-day match saw massive crowds, exceeding 80,000 on each of the first three days. While day four saw a slight dip in attendance, a surge on day five brought the final total well above the previous record. Cricket Australia (CA) reported being pleasantly surprised by the strong turnout on the final day.
The record-breaking attendance is partly attributed to the large number of Indian fans, who created a vibrant atmosphere throughout the match. The affordable ticket pricing, with day five tickets priced at just AUD 10 (approximately INR 530) and free entry for children under 15, also contributed to the high numbers.
While the single-day attendance record remains unbroken, the overall attendance for the Boxing Day Test now places it as the second highest-attended Test match in history, trailing only the historic 1999 India vs. Pakistan match at the Eden Gardens, which attracted 465,000 spectators. The MCG’s success underscores the enduring popularity of Test cricket and the excitement generated by the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
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