India is currently playing the third test match against Australia at the iconic Melbourne cricket ground(MCG) which is termed as the boxing day test match. Many cricket enthusiasts may not be aware of the term “Boxing day” and relate it to the sports of boxing. If you are one of them, let us clear the doubt for you.
What is boxing day test?
The Boxing Day Test match is a cricket match scheduled in Melbourne, Australia. The game mandatorily involves the Australian cricket team and a touring national team.
The first boxing day test
The first boxing day test was played between Australia and England way back in 1950 and it has nothing related to the sport of “boxing”. The game was won by Australia by 25 runs.
A One day International match was played in 1989 between Australia and Sri Lanka, terming it as Boxing day ODI. The historic game was won by the hosts by 30 runs.
Other countries which play boxing day test matches are New Zealand and South Africa.
Term “boxing day” association
Boxing day is a holiday celebrated in England and other Commonwealth nations(The nations once ruled by England).
As per the history books, the day got its name from “Christmas box” which were given to servants by their owners.
In the liturgical calendar of Western Christianity, Boxing Day is the 2nd day of Christmastide.
Other theories
According to some people, the term “boxing” is used as the players participating in the test match from 26th December had to miss their Christmas celebration to be with their team for the cricket match. They fight out their emotions to be away from their families on the biggest festival and play the game which is another reason why it may also be called a boxing day test match. While the theory is not ironically correct but it gets related to the term “boxing”.
