The much-awaited Test series between India and South Africa begins on December 26 in Centurion. Concurrently, on the same day, the second Test of the series between Pakistan and Australia is set to unfold at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). These matches are of particular importance as they commence on Boxing Day, a day that never fails to draw enthusiastic crowds packed in cricket venues.
What is Boxing Day?
Despite the name, Boxing Day has nothing to do with the sport of boxing. Celebrated the day after Christmas, on December 26, it is a tribute to those who work during the holiday season. Traditionally, it involves sharing joy and gratitude by giving gift boxes to service workers, hence the name 'Boxing Day'.
First Boxing Day Match in History
Beyond cricket, Boxing Day hosts various sporting events worldwide. In some countries, apart from the Boxing Day Test, it also includes domestic tournaments. The English Premier League and Scottish Premier League often feature thrilling games on this day. The first-ever recorded Boxing Day cricket match was part of Australia's domestic first-class competition, the Sheffield Shield, in 1892.
In Melbourne, the tradition of the Boxing Day Test began with the Ashes series between Australia and England in 1950. Although the match kicked off on December 22, the fifth day fell on Boxing Day. Since 1980, the Melbourne Cricket Ground has regularly hosted the Australian team for Boxing Day Tests. Besides Australia, teams like South Africa and New Zealand also enjoy playing on this momentous day.
India's Legacy on Boxing Day
Team India has played a total of nine Boxing Day Test matches against Australia, spanning the years 1985, 1991, 1999, 2003, 2007, 2011, 2014, 2018, and 2020. Out of these, India clinched victory in only two, while Australia emerged victorious in five, with two matches ending in a draw. Additionally, India has competed in Boxing Day Tests against teams like West Indies (1987), South Africa (1992, 1996, 2006, 2010, 2013, 2021), and New Zealand (1998).
India's Boxing Day Test Chronicles (Matches starting on December 26)
1985 - Australia vs India, Match Drawn, Melbourne 1987 - India vs West Indies, Match Drawn, Kolkata 1991 - Australia vs India, Australia won by 8 wickets, Melbourne 1992 - South Africa vs India, South Africa won by 9 wickets, Port Elizabeth 1996 - South Africa vs India, South Africa won by 328 runs, Durban 1998 - New Zealand vs India, New Zealand won by 4 wickets, Wellington 1999 - Australia vs India, Australia won by 180 runs, Melbourne 2003 - Australia vs India, Australia won by 9 wickets, Melbourne 2006 - South Africa vs India, South Africa won by 174 runs, Durban
2007 - Australia vs India, Australia won by 337 runs, Melbourne 2010 - South Africa vs India, India won by 87 runs, Durban 2011 - Australia vs India, Australia won by 122 runs, Melbourne 2013 - South Africa vs India, South Africa won by 10 wickets, Durban 2014 - Australia vs India, Match Drawn, Melbourne 2018 - Australia vs India, India won by 137 runs, Melbourne 2020 - Australia vs India, India won by 8 wickets, Melbourne 2021 - South Africa vs India, India won by 113 runs, Centurion
Overall India vs South Africa Record (Head to Head)
Total Test Matches: 42, India won: 15, South Africa won: 17, Draw: 10
India vs South Africa Record (Matches in South Africa)
Total Tests: 23, South Africa won: 12, India won: 4, Draw: 7
First Test:
December 26-30, First Test, Centurion, 1:30 PM
Second Test:
January 3-7, Second Test, Johannesburg, 1:30 PM
