The iconic Boxing Day Test is set to be a historic event this year, as Cricket Australia (CA) has announced a record-breaking surge in ticket sales for the highly anticipated match between Australia and India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). The enthusiasm for this cricketing clash is palpable, with Day 1 ticket sales tripling compared to the 2018-19 season.

The MCG, with its impressive capacity of over 100,000, is expected to be buzzing with energy and excitement. This marks a stark contrast to the 2020-21 season, when the Boxing Day Test was played before a limited crowd of 30,000 spectators due to COVID-19 restrictions. Now, with the pandemic's constraints easing, cricket fans are eager to fill the stands and be part of the live action.


The surge in ticket sales isn't just limited to the opening day. Days 2-4 have seen a staggering 5.5 times increase in sales over the previous tour, indicating that the appetite for Test cricket remains as strong as ever among the Australian public. This is a testament to the enduring appeal of the traditional format of the game and the fierce rivalry between these two cricketing powerhouses.


Joel Morrison, Executive General Manager of CA Events & Operations, expressed his excitement about the upcoming series. 'The Border-Gavaskar series is a highly anticipated event, and current ticket sales demonstrate there is enormous interest in the contest between Australia and India,' he said. Morrison also urged fans to act quickly to secure their seats, as tickets are being snapped up at an unprecedented rate.

The international flavour of the event is further highlighted by the significant number of tickets purchased by fans from India. Approximately 3.9 per cent of ticket-buyers for the Test hail from India, a significant increase from the 0.7 per cent during the 2018-19 tour. 'We continue to see strong sales from Indian fans as well as Australian fans, presenting a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the enduring connection between our two countries both on and off the field,' Morrison added.

The first Test of the five-match Border-Gavaskar series will commence in Perth on 22 November, marking the beginning of the 2023-25 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. The Boxing Day Test, starting on 26 December, will be the fourth Test of the series, followed by the New Year’s Test in Sydney on 3 January.

India's cricket team has been on a winning streak in Australia, having triumphed in their last two Test series Down Under during the 2018-19 and 2020-21 seasons. This upcoming series promises to be a thrilling encounter as Australia looks to reclaim its home-ground advantage while India aims to continue its successful run.


For our cricket-loving seniors, this event is not just a game; it's an experience that brings together friends, families, and fans from across the globe. Whether you're cheering from the stands or watching from home, the Boxing Day Test is a celebration of sportsmanship, camaraderie, and the enduring spirit of cricket.
So, dear members of the Seniors Discount Club, are you ready to be part of this historic event? Share your excitement and memories of past cricket matches in the comments below. Let's gear up for a summer of cricket that promises to be nothing short of spectacular!