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The Boxing Day Test at the MCG is one of Australia's most iconic sporting traditions. Every year on 26 December, cricket takes centre stage at the Melbourne Cricket Ground — a public holiday in Victoria and the unofficial start of Australia's summer cricket obsession.
Whether you’re after the history, results, start times, TV guide, or the best bookmakers to bet on the match, you’ll find it all right here. For full international cricket coverage, visit our cricket tips and international cricket pages.
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Boxing Day Test 2026
This year’s Boxing Day Test features Australia vs New Zealand at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, running from 26–30 December 2026. It’s the third Test of a four-match series between the two nations, with the summer having already visited Perth (9–13 December) and Adelaide (17–21 December). New Zealand tours Australia for the full Test series — one of the marquee fixtures of the Australian summer calendar. For the full summer schedule, head to our international cricket hub.
The MCG is expected to draw well above 70,000 fans on Day 1, as it traditionally does for any Boxing Day Test. Australia have a strong recent record at the venue, having won the Boxing Day Test in four of the last five years, though the 2025 Ashes Test — an England victory — delivered one of the great upsets in recent memory.
What is the Boxing Day Test?
The Boxing Day Test is the Test cricket match that begins on 26 December every year at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. It forms part of whichever Test series Australia is hosting that summer — whether that’s England (Ashes), India, New Zealand, South Africa, Pakistan, or the West Indies.
Boxing Day is a public holiday in Victoria, which means the MCG regularly fills to near capacity on Day 1. The ground can hold just over 100,000 spectators, and attendances of 70,000–90,000 on the opening day are standard. For high-profile series like the Ashes, crowds have exceeded 90,000.
Beyond the cricket itself, the Boxing Day Test is a cultural institution. Families head to the MCG fresh from Christmas celebrations, making it one of the biggest days on the Australian sporting calendar. No other cricket match in the world can match it for atmosphere, tradition, and scale.
The Boxing Day Test has been held at the MCG every year since 1980, with occasional interruptions — most notably in 2021, when COVID protocols moved the Ashes opener to the Gabba in Brisbane. Before 1980, Melbourne hosted various Boxing Day matches but the fixture was not yet codified as an annual tradition.
Boxing Day Test Start Time
Play begins at 10:30am AEDT (Melbourne time) on each of the five scheduled days. Each day runs through to approximately 6:00pm, with scheduled breaks for lunch and tea.
| State / Territory | Time Zone | Start Time |
|---|---|---|
| Victoria, NSW, ACT, Tasmania | AEDT (UTC+11) | 10:30am |
| Queensland | AEST (UTC+10) | 9:30am |
| South Australia | ACDT (UTC+10:30) | 10:00am |
| Western Australia | AWST (UTC+8) | 7:30am |
| Northern Territory | ACST (UTC+9:30) | 9:00am |
The schedule for the 2026 Boxing Day Test runs from Thursday 26 December through Monday 30 December. As with all Tests, play may conclude before the fifth day if a result is achieved sooner. A weather forecast for Melbourne in late December typically leans warm, though afternoon storms can occasionally interrupt play.
Boxing Day Test Past Results
Australia have dominated the Boxing Day Test historically, winning the large majority of matches at the MCG over the past century. Recent years have seen some notable upsets, particularly against India and England. The table below covers results from 2015–2025.
| Year | Opponent | Result | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | England | England won | 4 wickets |
| 2024 | India | Australia won | 184 runs |
| 2023 | Pakistan | Australia won | 79 runs |
| 2022 | South Africa | Australia won | Innings and 182 runs |
| 2021 | N/A | No MCG Test | Ashes opener moved to Gabba (COVID) |
| 2020 | India | India won | 8 wickets |
| 2019 | New Zealand | Australia won | 247 runs |
| 2018 | India | India won | 137 runs |
| 2017 | England | Draw | — |
| 2016 | Pakistan | Australia won | Innings and 18 runs |
| 2015 | West Indies | Australia won | 177 runs |
From 2015 to 2025, Australia have won seven of ten completed Boxing Day Tests at the MCG, with India accounting for both losses (2018 and 2020) and England winning the 2025 Ashes edition. The 2017 match against England is the only draw in this period. New Zealand have yet to win a Boxing Day Test at the MCG in the modern era, making the 2026 fixture an intriguing opportunity for the Black Caps.
Boxing Day Test Records at the MCG
The MCG Boxing Day Test has produced some remarkable statistical milestones over its long history. The modern era has seen records broken in both attendance and on-field drama.
| Record | Detail | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Record Day 1 attendance | 94,199 (Australia vs England) | 2025 |
| Record aggregate Test attendance (MCG) | 373,691 across 5 days (Australia vs India) | 2024 |
| Most wickets on Day 1 of a Boxing Day Test (modern era) | 20 wickets fell — first time since 1951 | 2025 |
| MCG capacity | ~100,024 (official capacity) | Current |
The 2025 Boxing Day Test (Ashes) was remarkable on multiple fronts. England’s Day 1 victory surge contributed to all 20 wickets falling in a single day for the first time since 1951 — a staggering statistic given how prepared modern batting conditions and surfaces tend to be at the MCG. The crowd of 94,199 also set a new record for any Day 1 at the ground.
The 2024 Test against India broke the record for aggregate attendance across a five-day Test at the MCG, with 373,691 total fans passing through the gates — a remarkable achievement and a testament to the enduring appeal of Australia–India Test cricket.
Australia’s overall record at the MCG in Boxing Day Tests is dominant, but India in particular has shown it can beat Australia in Melbourne. The 2018 (137 runs) and 2020 (8 wickets) results highlighted India’s growing parity at the venue. New Zealand have historically struggled at the MCG in Test conditions, losing the 2019 Boxing Day Test by 247 runs.
How to Watch the Boxing Day Test
Australian fans can watch the Boxing Day Test via two main broadcast options: subscription television and free-to-air.
| Platform | Type | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Fox Cricket / Kayo Sports | Subscription | Full live coverage, all days, all sessions |
| Channel 7 / 7plus | Free-to-air | Live broadcast of all home Tests |
Fox Cricket (available via Foxtel or Kayo Sports) offers the most comprehensive coverage, including pre-game shows, expert commentary panels, and replay features on demand. Channel 7 holds free-to-air broadcast rights for all Australian home Tests, meaning you can watch every ball of the Boxing Day Test without a subscription. 7plus, Channel 7’s streaming platform, also provides a free online stream for those watching on a device.
For international viewers, coverage arrangements vary by country — BBC Test Match Special (radio) and Sky Sports (UK subscription) typically cover Ashes editions in full.
Boxing Day Test Tickets
Tickets for the Boxing Day Test are sold through Ticketek and the official cricket.com.au website. BettingPro does not sell tickets — we’re here to provide information and betting guidance only.
Key things to know about Boxing Day Test tickets:
- Day 1 sells out months in advance, particularly for high-profile series like the Ashes. If you’re planning to attend Day 1, start checking availability as soon as the summer schedule is announced.
- Days 2–5 are often more accessible, with general admission tickets sometimes available close to play.
- Both general admission and reserved seating options are available, across all levels of the MCG.
- Members of Cricket Victoria and Cricket Australia get priority access to reserved seating allocations before general sale opens.
- For 2026 (Australia vs New Zealand), demand is expected to be high but slightly below Ashes levels — Day 1 will still sell out well in advance.
Check cricket.com.au/tickets for official availability and pricing information.
Boxing Day Test Betting Markets
The Boxing Day Test attracts some of the biggest cricket betting markets of the Australian summer. All major Australian bookmakers offer a comprehensive suite of markets from the moment the Test match schedule is confirmed.
| Market | Description |
|---|---|
| Match Winner | Back Australia, the visiting team, or the draw to win the Test |
| Series Winner | Which team wins the overall Test series |
| Top Test Batsman | Highest run scorer for either team across both innings |
| Top Test Bowler | Most wickets taken for either team across the match |
| Session Winner | Which team scores more runs in a specific session (morning, afternoon, evening) |
| Total Match Runs | Over/under on combined runs scored across the full match |
| Method of First Dismissal | How the first wicket of the match will fall (caught, bowled, LBW, etc.) |
| Draw No Bet | Back a team to win — stake refunded if the match ends in a draw |
| Same Game Multi (SGM) | Combine multiple markets from the same Test into a single bet |
Draw No Bet is one of the most popular cricket markets given how often Tests finish in draws due to weather. It removes the draw result from the equation, giving you a binary Australia or visitor bet with your stake refunded if neither team wins outright.
Same Game Multis (SGMs) are available at most major bookmakers for Test cricket — combining a match winner, top batsman, and top bowler selection into one enhanced-odds bet is a popular approach for the Boxing Day Test. See our dedicated same game multi guide for tips on building SGMs. For Ashes-specific markets, visit our Ashes betting page.
Best Bookmakers for Boxing Day Test Betting
All of the major Australian bookmakers offer comprehensive cricket markets for the Boxing Day Test. Here’s a quick comparison of our top picks for cricket betting in Australia. For the full breakdown, visit our cricket betting sites guide or our main betting sites Australia page.
| Bookmaker | Best For |
|---|---|
| Picklebet | Wide cricket markets, competitive odds |
| Dabble | Social betting features, SGMs |
| Neds | Multi-builder, promotions, cricket specials |
| Ladbrokes | In-play betting, price boosts |
| bet365 | Live streaming, comprehensive Test markets |
All of the bookmakers listed above are licensed and regulated in Australia. Always gamble responsibly. If you need support, visit the Gambling Help Online website or call 1800 858 858.
Boxing Day Test History
The Boxing Day Test at the MCG has a history stretching back to the early 20th century, though it was not formalised as an annual fixture until 1980. The MCG hosted its first Boxing Day Test in 1950, when England toured Australia in the 1950–51 Ashes series. That match produced the remarkable statistic of all 20 wickets falling on a single day — a record that stood until the 2025 Ashes Test matched it.
The fixture took on its permanent calendar position in 1980, when Australia hosted New Zealand. Since then, it has been held every year (with the sole exception of 2021, when COVID protocols relocated the Ashes opener to Brisbane). The Boxing Day Test has hosted some of the game’s greatest players — from Dennis Lillee and Ian Chappell in the 1980s, to Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, and Brian Lara in the 1990s and 2000s, to Steve Smith, Pat Cummins, and Virat Kohli in the modern era.
The Test has been the site of several iconic cricketing moments. Shane Warne’s 700th Test wicket came at the MCG in 2006. Sachin Tendulkar scored a masterful 116 in 1999. Adam Gilchrist’s lightning-fast hundreds transformed the ground’s atmosphere in the early 2000s. In recent years, the 2018 and 2020 India victories cemented the MCG as a ground where touring teams — particularly India — can genuinely compete.
Australia’s record in Boxing Day Tests at the MCG from 1980 to present is overwhelmingly positive. They have won more than 70% of completed matches, with draws accounting for most of the remainder and losses to visiting teams being relatively rare. England, India, and the West Indies have each recorded victories at the MCG in this era.
Boxing Day Test FAQs
What is the Boxing Day Test?
The Boxing Day Test is the annual Test cricket match played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) starting on 26 December — Boxing Day, a public holiday in Victoria. It is part of whichever Test series Australia is hosting that summer. The MCG regularly draws 70,000–90,000+ fans on Day 1, making it one of the largest single-day cricket attendances in the world.
What time does the Boxing Day Test start?
Play starts at 10:30am AEDT (Melbourne time) each day. That converts to 9:30am AEST for Queensland, 10:00am ACDT for South Australia, and 7:30am AWST for Perth. Each day runs through to approximately 6:00pm.
Who is playing the Boxing Day Test in 2026?
The 2026 Boxing Day Test features Australia vs New Zealand at the MCG, from 26–30 December. It is the third Test in a four-match series between the two sides, with matches also scheduled in Perth (Dec 9–13) and Adelaide (Dec 17–21).
What channel is the Boxing Day Test on?
The Boxing Day Test is broadcast on Fox Cricket (available via Foxtel or Kayo Sports) and Channel 7 (free-to-air). Channel 7 holds free-to-air rights for all Australian home Tests. The 7plus streaming platform allows free online viewing without a subscription.
What is the MCG capacity for the Boxing Day Test?
The MCG’s official capacity is approximately 100,024. For the Boxing Day Test, Day 1 crowds typically range between 70,000 and 90,000+. The record Day 1 attendance is 94,199, set during the 2025 Ashes Test against England. The 2024 India series holds the record for aggregate attendance across a five-day Test at the MCG (373,691).
Can I bet on the Boxing Day Test?
Yes. All major Australian bookmakers — including Picklebet, Dabble, Neds, Ladbrokes, and bet365 — offer markets on the Boxing Day Test. Markets typically include match winner, draw no bet, top batsman, top bowler, session winner, and same game multis. Always gamble responsibly and within your means.
#AD 18+ T&Cs Apply Imagine what you could be buying instead. For free & confidential support call 180 0858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au
18+ T&C's Apply. What are you really gambling with? Chances are you're about to lose. Set a Deposit Limit For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au
18+ T&C's Apply. What are you really gambling with? Chances are you're about to lose. Set a Deposit Limit For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au
18+ T&C's Apply. What are you really gambling with? Chances are you're about to lose. Set a Deposit Limit For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au
#AD 18+ T&Cs Apply Imagine what you could be buying instead. For free & confidential support call 180 0858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au
18+ T&C's Apply. What are you really gambling with? Chances are you're about to lose. Set a Deposit Limit For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au
Exclusive 365AUCODE referral code: bet365 does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers.18+ T&C's Apply. What are you really gambling with? Chances are you're about to lose. Set a Deposit Limit For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au
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