boxing day test

December 26, 2025 4:42 PM

Ashes: Michael Neser savours dream Boxing Day debut on nightmare pitch for batters

After a four-wicket haul in front of a record Melbourne Cricket Ground and Australia's top score on a tough pitch, little wonder Michael Neser found day one of his maiden Boxing Day test a dream come true. The recalled seamer was dropped for the series-deciding third Ashes test in Adelaide but was back in action on Friday in front of a whopping crowd of 94,199 that saw 20 wickets tumble on a manic day one. Neser scored a vital 35 as Australia were skittled for 152 in the first innings, then to...

December 26, 2025 3:08 PM

Ashes: Batters run for cover on manic day one in fourth Test in Melbourne

Australia finished marginally on top at the end of a chaotic opening day of the fourth Ashes test after an extraordinary 20 wickets fell in front of a record crowd at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday. Australia nightwatchman Scott Boland was four not out with Travis Head yet to score as the hosts went to stumps at four for no loss in their second innings, carrying a 46-run lead over England. With England bowled out for 110 in reply to Australia's first innings 152, it was the highest num...

December 26, 2025 1:28 PM

Ashes: MCG breaks 2015 World Cup final record with 94,199 attendance on Boxing Day Test

The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) recorded a massive attendance of 94,199 spectators on the opening day of the Boxing Day Test, marking the highest crowd ever for a cricket match at the iconic venue. The historic turnout surpassed the previous record of 93,013, set during the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup final between Australia and New Zealand. It also established a new benchmark for the highest-attended single day of Test cricket, eclipsing the 91,112 spectators who attended Day 1 of the 2013 ...

December 23, 2025 10:03 AM

Murphy, Richardson named in Australia’s Boxing Day Test squad; Lyon to undergo surgery

Todd Murphy and Jhye Richardson have been added to Australia’s 15-member squad for the fourth Ashes Test, starting on December 26. Murphy edged out Matt Kuhnemann and Corey Rocchiccioli to replace Nathan Lyon, with the veteran off-spinner set to undergo surgery on his injured hamstring. Murphy has featured seven times at Test level for Australia, with his most recent appearance coming earlier this year against Sri Lanka in Galle. Australia confirmed on Tuesday that Nathan Lyon will undergo ...