Cricket Australia anticipates 250,000 fans in Boxing Day boost

Melbourne is gearing up for a massive Boxing Day Test as Australia faces India in a highly anticipated showdown that may attract the biggest crowd in more than 70 years.

The crowds are set to be pumping for the Boxing Day Test Picture: Michael Klein

The Boxing Day Test may this year attract the biggest crowd in over 70 years and provide a welcome economic boost to the local economy.

The test is shaping up to be a cracker with the likely debut of Australian wonderkid Sam Konstas and a fiery Indian outfit whose star bat, Virat Kohli, had a sharp exchange with journalists when arriving in Melbourne.

Over 200,000 people are expected through the turnstiles on the first three days - a boon for both the game and Melbourne alike.

Cricket Australia executive general manager of events and operations Joel Morrison said it was no surprise to see ticket sales flying with the “heavyweight matchup” set for cricket’s biggest stage.

A likely Sam Konstas debut is only adding to the buzz surrounding the upcoming test match. Picture: Getty Images

“The two best test playing nations in the world are facing off,” he said. “So, there’s been enormous interest in this series, and the cricket’s been first class so far.

“All eyes are on the Boxing Day test now, which has been great to see, and we’re seeing incredible interest all days of the test match.”

Mr Morrison said sales for the first three days were shaping up to reach records.

“Day one is sold out,” he said. “However, we encourage fans to keep an eye on the Cricket Australia and Ticketek websites on the 23rd and the 24th.

“We expect there might be a small release of final tickets once site screen placements are confirmed.

“We are expecting over 90,000 on day one, over 75,000 on day two, and over 60,000 on day three. I expect we could end up with around 250,000 fans coming through the gates across the course of the test.”

According to Cricket Australia we could see the largest collective crowd since 300,270 fans attended to watch Australia take on England at the MCG in 1954.

A few beers are set to be poured at the MCG over the first three days. Picture: David Smith

Victorian Tourism Industry Council CEO Felicia Mariani said the iconic Boxing Day test was always a great boost for the city.

“The MCG to cricket is like the kangaroo to Australia,” she said. “It really does become that shorthand representation for all things cricket in Australia.

“Visitors will be here for two or three or four days, with no exact numbers on hand, we’re going to see a huge uplift in our accommodation in the city.

“There will be an enormous uplift in the F and B, food and beverage in the city.”

Ms Mariani also said the match up being against India was a great thing for Melbourne.

“The latest release of the International Visitor survey, which only came out this week, shows that Victoria is the number one destination for Indian visitors to Australia,” she said.

“It contributes over $400 million to our economy here in the state.

“So, the fact that this event is happening in a place that is already the preferred destination of Indian visitors, is fantastic.”

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos also spoke on the significant impact this years test was going to have on the city.

“This year’s Boxing Day Test will be thrilling showdown between two test cricket-loving nations and a celebration of Victoria’s strong ties with India,” he said.

“Highlighted by a sellout crowd on Boxing Day, the Test Match will be a huge boost to our local economy, filling our hotels, bars and restaurants as some of the world’s most passionate cricket fans come to Melbourne to pack the MCG.”