What is Boxing Day Test in cricket, and how did it get this name?

ISLAMABAD: The Boxing Day Test holds special significance in the world of cricket, but very few people are aware of its history.

The day after Christmas, December 26, is called Boxing Day, and the Test match played each year between December 26 and 30 at Australia’s historic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is known as the “Boxing Day Test.”

Since 1980, the Melbourne Cricket Ground has hosted a Test match every year on December 26, which is referred to as the Boxing Day Test.

This year as well, a Test match is being played on December 26 between the cricket teams of Australia and England.

The Pakistan cricket team has played the Boxing Day Test four times so far. The first match, played in 1983, ended without a result, while in 2009 Australia defeated Pakistan in two Tests. Pakistan last played a Boxing Day Test in 2016, which Australia also won.

Since 1980, Australia has won 21 Boxing Day Test matches, visiting teams have won seven, while nine Boxing Day Tests have ended without a result.

Many people get confused after hearing the term “Boxing Day” and assume it has something to do with the sport of boxing.

In reality, since the 19th century it has been customary for the British royal family to give gifts on the day after Christmas to palace staff and to poor and deserving people. As these gifts were packed in boxes, the name “Boxing Day” became associated with December 26 — and the Test match played on this day is called the Boxing Day Test.