Two Boxing Day Test matches are taking place at the moment. One between Australia and New Zealand at the Melbourne Cricket Ground and the other one is taking place between South Africa and England at Centurion. However, we all have wondered why the Test match which begins from 26th December is known as the Boxing Day Test match? Is there any relation between Boxing and Cricket?
Boxing Day is a holiday celebrated the day after Christmas Day, which is celebrated all across the globe on 25th December. Boxing Day originated in the United Kingdom and is celebrated in a number of countries that previously formed part of the British Empire.
Two Boxing Day Test matches are going on.
The Boxing Day Test match is held in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia involving the Australian cricket team and an opposing national team that is touring Australia during the summer. It begins annually on Boxing Day (26 December) and is played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
However, the same has been adopted by other teams as well. Consequently, the other Test match which is played between South Africa and England is also known as the Boxing Day Test match.
On the other hand, Australia scored 257-4 on the opening day of the second Test match against New Zealand. The visitors won the toss and elected to bowl first. The Kiwis got off to a fine start as their spearhead Trent Boult bowled an inswinging delivery to get rid of Joe Burns.
Subsequently, Neil Wagner was able to get the better of David Warner after the southpaw scored 41 runs. The in-form Marnus Labuschagne scored 63 runs but missed out on the opportunity to score four consecutive centuries.
Steven Smith is unbeaten on 77 runs and he is looking good for another century. Smith is batting with Travis Head who is undefeated on 25 runs.
