Melbourne Cricket Ground to host Boxing Day Test later this year.
With Melbourne easing the COVID-19 restrictions, it may bring some good news for cricket fans in Australia as the spectators are likely to be allowed into the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) for the iconic Boxing Day Test between Australia and India later this year.
In a major boost for the forthcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy, it has been reportedly revealed that the fans can enjoy the blockbuster contest between the top two nations at the iconic MCG after Melbourne officials eased the COVID-19 restrictions on Monday (October 26).
Melbourne, Australia's second-largest city, has been under lockdown for months due to the Coronavirus outbreak, but on Monday, it was decided to ease the restrictions after no new cases daily or deaths being reported and it can be really good news for cricket fans if it wouldn’t give rise to new COVID-19 cases.
Victoria state premier Daniel Andrews told reporters: “The Boxing Day Test, of course, is very different (to the Melbourne Cup) because that is some way off. I am very confident that we will get a crowd at the MCG for the Boxing Day Test.”
The official further added, “I don't know how big it will be but there will be a crowd, that's the advice that I have, that's what we're working towards.”
Last year's Boxing Day Test between Australia and New Zealand was attended by more than 80,000 people on day one at the MCG and this year, the numbers could rise.
Noteworthy, India is set to play four Tests and a white-ball series against Australia later this year, but the dates for the series are yet to be confirmed due to quarantine requirements.
(With AFP Inputs)