Cricket news: David Warner ready for new Christmas traditions ahead of last Boxing Day test

Ahead of his last Boxing Day test, David Warner reveals he is excited to make some new Christmas traditions in 2024, after spending December 25th in Melbourne for the last decade.

Melbourne’s Christmas Day rain didn’t dampen the spirits of the Australian cricketers and their families, including the Warner clan, in town for opener David Warner’s final Boxing Day Test.

The Aussies’ traditional family training session on the eve of the calendar’s most famous annual match was taken into the MCG’s indoor nets, where adults and kids batted, bowled and fielded in a light festive environment.

Boxing Day Test opponents Pakistan came bearing gifts for the Australian players and their entourages, a gesture received warmly by the hosts.

“Yeah, just a merry Christmas gift and lollipops for all the kids,” said Australian captain Pat Cummins.

“So that was great. We’ve got a really good relationship with the Pakistani side. That tour (to Pakistan) a couple years ago was really special as well. So really kind and thoughtful of their group to think of us.”

Pakistan team manager Naveed Akram Cheema presents Pat Cummins with a Christmas gift. Picture: Morgan Hancock/Getty Images

The Warners are savouring every moment, with David joined by wife Candice and daughters, Ivy Mae, nine, Indi Rae, seven, and Isla Rose, four, who will be cheering him on in the stands when the Test begins on Tuesday.

It brings to an end a more than decade-long tradition for the Sydney-based couple.

“We are going to take a lot more photos and just really appreciate what it is because it will be our last one in the Cricket Australia setup,” Candice said. “It will be different next year so we are really looking forward to going to the cricket every day and cheering Dave on in his last test matches.”

Next year, Warner will still be in the cricketing fold but on the other side as part of the Fox Sports commentary team.

On Christmas Day, the Warner’s spent the morning like many Australians as they were woken early by the kids to unwrap presents from Santa, before joining teammates and their families at the ’G.

The rain forced the nets session indoors on Christmas Day. Picture: Morgan Hancock/Getty Images

“I spend so much time overseas and away from my girls each year that being together for Christmas means everything to me. Christmas Day for the past 10 years has been spent in Melbourne but with this being my last Boxing Day Test, it means that from next year we will be able to start our own new traditions,” David explained.

“Christmas Day for us is all about the kids. I personally love having them at training with me. Throwing a few balls in the nets to them and getting the plastic cricket set out and having a game in the middle of the MCG is very special … memories I’ll cherish forever.”

Cummins, joined by wife Becky and their son Albie, said it was always an enjoyable occasion.

“We spend a lot of the year away without families going to training so it’s great that we could bring them to work and the kids kind of see what the dads do. It’s great. We’re gonna have Christmas lunch today, everyone gets together, has a bit of a laugh, and no one really thinks about cricket,” Cummins said.