MCG advanced in talks to lock in Boxing Day Test on long-term deal

The Boxing Day Test is going nowhere with the MCG locked in ‘productive discussions’ for a renewed contract.

MCG curator Matt Page at work on the pitch for the Boxing Day Test yesterday. Picture: AAP

The Boxing Day Test is going nowhere with the MCG locked in “productive discussions” that should see its expiring contract renewed long before next year’s blockbuster against India.

Interstate raiders have been eyeing the historic timeslot and recent lifeless Test pitches have only fuelled talk that Perth Stadium could pinch Melbourne’s iconic match.

But Melbourne Cricket Club chief executive Stuart Fox on Monday declared a multi-year contract was in the pipeline.

“We’re really confident we’ll lock down a longer-term deal at some stage into the future.

“I think Cricket Australia have been pretty open about that, as have we,” Fox said.

“The Victorian government are obviously involved as well — and who’d want to move the Boxing Day Test?

“It’s the equivalent of two AFL grand finals across five days. The discussions are well down the path, and they’ve been really ­positive.”

Up to 80,000 people are expected to fill the stands for New Zealand’s first Boxing Day appearance in 32 years.

Cricket Australia chose to roll over its deal with the MCG only for 2019, but Fox said that was a “temporary measure” as the sporting body underwent significant changes.

CA was recently in a state of flux and had its staff gutted after the ball-tampering scandal.

But chief executive Kevin Roberts is now running a smooth ship and so while they should be prepared to deliver some security, talks with the Victorian government have not advanced.

It is understood that cricket chiefs want a far more generous deal from the state government before promising it the Boxing Day Test for 2020 and beyond.

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The AFL was able to lock its grand final in at the MCG until 2057, but that was largely thanks to help from the state government.

The MCG is completing an $11m upgrade of its lights, which will see LEDs installed to enhance the TV experience for viewers at home.

The new lights will reduce flickering during super slomo replays and boost the broadcast quality of colours during night games.

The sunny forecast for the Boxing Day Test means that the lights are unlikely to be needed.

However they will be switched on for the Big Bash derby between Melbourne Stars and Renegades on January 4.

Richmond residents will be glad to know the significant reduction of light heads in each tower will also reduce light spills.

The MCG light towers were erected in 1984, using technology that was from about 1960, and so the upgrade will also significantly cut energy consumption.

HERALD SUN