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  • Post last modified:Jan 28, 2024
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What is Boxing Day Test in Australia?

The Boxing Day Test is a renowned cricket test match held annually in Australia on December 26th, the day after Christmas. It’s considered a significant event in the cricketing calendar, particularly in Australia, where it’s deeply embedded in sporting tradition.

This Test match usually features the Australian national cricket team playing against an international opponent. It’s hosted at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Melbourne, Victoria. The match draws huge crowds of cricket enthusiasts, creating an electrifying atmosphere at the stadium.

The Boxing Day Test holds a special place in cricketing culture, known for its festive ambiance and the enthusiasm of the spectators. It’s considered a marquee event, not only for the cricketing action on the field but also for the vibrant energy and tradition associated with the game. The match often extends over five days (unless the result is achieved before the fifth day), allowing fans to witness high-quality cricket while enjoying the holiday season.

Overall, the Boxing Day Test is a celebrated fixture in the cricketing world, offering a blend of sporting excellence and festive cheer, making it an integral part of Australia’s sporting heritage.

BOXING DAY TEST 2023
26 - 29 December 23

This year Australia took on Pakistan on 26th December 2023 for the boxing day test match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Boxing day test start time

As per Melbourne Cricket Ground website, the match starts at 10:30am AEDT, on Tuesday 26th Dec 2023 and on the remaining days of the test match. For the viewers in NSW and Victoria the start time remains the same while for the viewers in Western Australia it will be a 7:30am start, 10am for South Australians and 9:30am for Queenslanders. 
* The start time may change to cover the time lost due to rain delays.

What channel is the boxing day test on in Australia?

The Boxing Day Test will broadcast live on Channel 7 in Australia. During the news broadcast, the cricket may switch over to other channels like 7mate or 7TWO.

Beside Channel 7, viewers can also watch the Boxing Day Test between Australia and Pakistan on Fox Sports & Kayo streaming services.

*Kindly check your local listings.

Boxing day test team Australia

Australia played an unchanged XI in Melbourne. Australia’s squad for Boxing Day Test is as: 

  1. David Warner,
  2. Usman Khawaja, 
  3. Marnus Labuschagne,
  4. Steve Smith,
  5. Travis Head,
  6. Mitch Marsh,
  7. Alex Carey,
  8. Pat Cummins (c),
  9. Nathan Lyon, 
  10. Mitch Starc,
  11. Josh Hazlewood

Australia v Pakistan - Boxing Day Test 2023 Score and Result

RESULT: Australia win by 79 runs

AUSTRALIA 318 & 262
PAKISTAN 264 & 237 (Target 317) 

Player of the match:
– Pat Cummins AUS 5/48 & 5/49

Day 4, Friday 29 Dec 2023
End of Day Score

2nd Innings
PAKISTAN 237 (67.2 overs)

2nd Innings
AUSTRALIA 262 (84.1 overs)

Day 4 attendance: The final attendance for Day 4 of Boxing Day Test between Australia and Pakistan at MCG on 29th Dec 2023 was 18,029

Day 3, Thursday 28 Dec 2023
End of Day Score

2nd Innings
AUSTRALIA 187/6 
(62.3 overs)
– Alex Carey 16(42) 2x4s

1st Innings
PAKISTAN 264 (73.5 overs)

Day 3 attendanceThe final attendance for Day 3 of Boxing Day Test between Australia and Pakistan at MCG on 28th Dec 2023 was 39,802

Day 2, Wednesday 27 Dec 2023
End of Day Score

1st Innings
PAKISTAN 194/6 
(55 overs)
– Mohammad Rizwan 29(34) 1×4 & 1×6
– Aamer Jamal 2(26)

1st Innings
AUSTRALIA 318
 (96.5 overs)

Day 2 attendanceThe final attendance for Day 2 of Boxing Day Test between Australia and Pakistan at MCG on 27th Dec 2023 was 44,837

Day 1, Tuesday 26 Dec 2023
End of Day Score

Pakistan won the toss and decided to bowl first
1st Innings
AUSTRALIA 187/3 (66 overs)
– Marnus Labuchagne 44(120) 3x4s
– Travis Head 9(19) 1×4

Day 1 attendanceThe final attendance for Day 1 of Boxing Day Test between Australia and Pakistan at MCG on 26th Dec 2023 was 62,167 

2023 Boxing Day Test Crowd Attendance at MCG

Total of 164,835 crowd attended the Boxing Day Test between Australia and Pakistan across the four days at MCG between 26th Dec to 29th Dec 2023.

  • Day 1: 62,167 
  • Day 2: 44,837
  • Day 3: 39,802
  • Day 4: 18,029 

Australia v Pakistan Test series 2023-24

First Test: Australia won by 360 runs in Perth

Second Test: Australia won by 79 runs in Melbourne

Third Test: Australia won by 8 wickets