In a stunning display of passion for Test cricket, the Melbourne Cricket Ground has witnessed history, hosting the largest crowd ever recorded for a single day of cricket on Australian soil. Despite the Ashes series already being decided in Australia's favour, a monumental 94,199 spectators poured into the iconic stadium for the opening day of the Boxing Day Test on December 26, 2025.
A Record-Breaking Turnout Against the Odds
The massive final session attendance, confirmed by Cricket Australia, officially surpassed the previous record of 93,015 set during the 2015 Cricket World Cup final at the same venue. It also comfortably exceeded the 87,242 fans who attended day one of the corresponding Test against India in 2024. The historic turnout is a powerful testament to the enduring appeal of the Boxing Day Test tradition, even in a 'dead rubber' match.
The crowd was notably swelled by an estimated 20,000 travelling England supporters, many of whom had planned their Christmas trips Down Under before the Ashes were lost. In a move that sparked conversation, the Barmy Army was allocated the famous Bay 13 on the MCG's first tier, a section traditionally dominated by vocal Australian fans.
England Finally Finds Fight on the Field
For the first time since the series began in Perth in early November, the beleaguered English team delivered a performance worthy of the occasion. After Australian captain Pat Cummins won the toss and chose to bat, his side was dismantled for a paltry 152 runs, bowled out before the tea break on a lively pitch.
The damage was spearheaded by seamer Josh Tongue, a bowler overlooked for the first two Tests. Tongue's fiery spell helped reduce Australia to trouble by lunch, with key wickets including Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, and the vital scalp of Steve Smith just before the interval. This collective effort marked England's most dominant session of the entire Ashes campaign.
Future Format and Historical Context
Amid the day's drama, Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg addressed future scheduling. While he confirmed all four Tests against New Zealand next summer would be played in traditional daytime slots, he did not rule out moving the Boxing Day Test to a day-night timeslot in future years.
The record crowd continues the MCG's impressive momentum. The 2024 Test against India, notable for Sam Konstas's stunning debut, was a five-day thriller that attracted a total of 373,691 people, the best-attended match in Australian history. Given Australia's swift collapse and the pitch's character, a similar five-day contest seems unlikely this time.
Long before a ball was bowled, the demand for tickets was evident, with queues for the Melbourne Cricket Club members reserve snaking through Yarra Park. The scene underscored that for cricket fans in Australia, the magic of the Boxing Day Test at the MCG remains an unmissable event, record books or not.
