Cricket News
What is Boxing Day Test?- When and how it started, Fun Facts and More
Currently, South Africa and Australia are hosting India and Pakistan respectively on boxing day this year.
‘Boxing Day’ brings with it sporting action for the fans from around the world. Australia will play Pakistan in the second Test of the series, while India will play South Africa in the first Test of the two-match assignment. Cricket organisations aim to arrange major international matches on this day each year, and this year will be no exception with two major contests planned.
In sports, this day signifies the first day back on the pitch following Christmas. December 26 is known as “Boxing Day” everywhere in the world each year. However, the word “boxing” has nothing to do with how it is used in sports.
Although the history of the day is unknown, a generally accepted idea contends that the term comes from the custom of wealthy individuals giving presents and cash in the form of a “Christmas Box” to tradespeople and servants on the day following Christmas.
The day is thought to have originated from the post-Christmas custom of churches setting boxes outside their doors. This is done to gather money for the less fortunate and to decorate for Christmas. According to a different belief, it originates from Britain’s illustrious naval heritage. It is from the times when long-haul ships would keep a sealed box of cash on board. If the journey was successful, a priest would receive the box and deliver it to the underprivileged.
Take a look at how boxing day works in cricket
Boxing Day cricket is nothing new. The 19th century is when the custom first appeared. The beginning of Boxing Day matches in Australia is generally believed to have occurred during a Sheffield Shield match involving the two states of Victoria and New South Wales at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in the year 1865.
These Tests have grown in importance on cricket boards’ global calendars over time. Families and friends typically show up to the stadiums to watch cricket matches. The two countries where Boxing Day test games are primarily scheduled are Australia and South Africa.
