The 2022 Boxing Day test match between Australia and South Africa is coming up next month and as usual, it is held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on the 26th of December. Australia won the 2021 Boxing Day test against England, so they will be keen to retain that win while South Africa would like to win again, the last time being in 2008.

The Teams

Australia

The current number 1 test team in the world, rated by the International Cricket Council (ICC). They have currently played 844 test matches with 400 wins, 227 losses, 215 draws, and 2 ties. Fast bowler Pat Cummins is the team captain, and former cricketer Andrew McDonald is the head coach.

South Africa

South Africa is currently ranked 3rd best test team by the ICC and has played a total of 455 test matches with 175 wins, 156 losses, and 124 draws. The current team captain is opening batsman Dean Elgar, and the head coach is former test cricketer Malibongwe Maketa.

About the game

The 2022 Boxing Day Test odds are going to be in Australia’s favour, having won the test match the most times out of any participant and the fact the game is always played on their home turf. 

The Boxing Day Test match was inaugurated in 1950 and was won by Australia against England by 28 runs. From 1999 to 2007, Australia won every Boxing Day Test match, a total of 9 consecutive times.

The Mullagh Medal was introduced in 2020 to the best player on the ground, with Indian Captain Ajinkya Rahane the first recipient, and Australian Bowler Scott Boland taking out the award in 2021. The medal was named after Indigenous Australian cricketer Johnny Mullagh, who played in the 1868 Aboriginal cricket tour of England where he scored 40 runs.  The largest Boxing Day Test crowd was in 2013 when 91,112 spectators watched Australia beat England by 8 wickets.

Getting ready for the Boxing Day Test Match

There are many ways to plan for the Boxing Day Test. If you decide to attend the match in person, then it is important to check ticket-selling websites frequently to see when tickets are available. This match is very popular in Melbourne, so you want to get in early to avoid disappointment. Also important is to work out your transportation options to and from the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Check public parking availability if you choose to drive there as parking options can be scarce. A lot of people choose to take public transportation, usually a train or tram, so if that is your preferred option, investigate which is the best line for you to take depending on where you live.

Other fans choose to stay at home and watch the test match with family and friends while enjoying a barbeque. Contact your friends and family early to give them time to prepare for the event you’re planning to host and also check to make sure what shops are open as Boxing Day is a public holiday. Best to be prepared and stock up on supplies a couple of days before.

If you plan to hold an event or conference at the Melbourne Cricket Ground during the game, it is imperative that you always book your venue ahead of time. Corporate boxes are immensely popular for sporting events at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, so plan ahead.