Fourth Test: India vs Australia Achieves Historic Attendance Milestone in Australia
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Melbourne, Dec 30 (NationPress) The Boxing Day Test clash between India and Australia has established a new benchmark for attendance in Test matches held in Australia, eclipsing the old record set in 1936/37 when Australia played against England in a six-day contest.
On Day 5 during the lunch break, an impressive 51,371 fans filled the stands at the MCG, eagerly awaiting an exhilarating conclusion to the match. The influx of fans was so substantial that stadium personnel were working diligently to enhance security measures and ensure adequate food and beverage supplies.
“We’ve officially broken the attendance record established in 1936/37 when Australia faced England — a Test that lasted six days,” the MCG stated via its ‘X’ account on Monday. “Thank you, Melbourne. An Australian cricketing record, an MCG record, and a piece of history made,” Cricket Australia announced on its ‘X’ account.
Cricket Australia (CA) has confirmed that the final attendance figure reached a stunning 74,362, bringing the total attendance for the ongoing match to 373,691. This comfortably surpasses the previous overall record of 350,534 spectators at the same venue during the 1936/37 Ashes series against England, a match where Donald Bradman scored 270.
“We’ve been overwhelmed by the support from fans throughout the Boxing Day Test. Our collaboration with the MCC and the Victorian Government has been exceptional, and it’s a tremendous team effort to achieve this milestone,” said Joel Morrisson, CA EGM Events and Operations.
“The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is a significant event, and it’s been fantastic to see such robust attendance levels throughout the summer. A heartfelt thank you to Australian cricket fans for your unwavering support of our beloved game, showcasing cricket's ability to unite communities,” he added.
The attendance on the opening day of the ongoing Boxing Day Test was recorded at 87,242, marking a new high for single-day attendance in a Test match between these two teams. Additionally, Day three attracted 83,073 fans, setting a new record for attendance on a moving day of a Boxing Day Test.
The remarkable turnout for the Boxing Day Test is largely credited to a significant number of Indian fans traveling from across the globe, contributing to a vibrant atmosphere at the MCG. The previous record for overall attendance during a Boxing Day Test stood at 271,865 during the 2013/14 Ashes series.
