Explained: Why 26th December Test is called ‘Boxing Day’ Test match and what is its significance?

Boxing Day matches are always special, it is the very next day after Christmas and it has a specific significance. This is a traditional and significant part of international cricket, particularly in countries like Australia and South Africa. There is no official word for why it is called Boxing Day, and it is presumed that the name came from the tradition of wealthy families preparing boxes filled with gifts and presents for the poor as a ‘thank you’ gesture for working on Christmas. The name ‘Boxing Day’, which is the day after Christman, is a reference to the unpacking of the gifts that people receive from their friends and family on Christmas.

The tradition of playing cricket on Boxing Day was started in the late 19th century. The Sheffield Shield match between Victoria and New South Wales at the Melbourne Cricket Ground over the Christmas period in 1865 is regarded as the beginning of Boxing Day matches in Australia. The festivity, combined with summer weather in the southern hemisphere, creates a unique and lively atmosphere.

A lot of crowd comes to watch the match during this particular day.  The first Boxing Day Test match took place between Australia and England in 1950. India has played Boxing Day Test matches in Australia in 1985, 1991, 1999, 2003, 2007, 2011, 2014, and 2018. 

Boxing day significance

Boxing Day has religious significance in Europe. In Ireland and the Catalonia region of Spain, it is known as St. Stephen's Day. It is celebrated as a second Christmas in several European countries such as Hungary, Germany, Poland, and the Netherlands. It has become a cultural institution in cricket-playing nations, with families and friends often attending the matches as part of their holiday traditions.

On the very day of the ongoing year, Australia is taking on Pakistan in the second match of the three-match Test series and the hosts are eager to seal the series. In the other part of the continent, South Africa is hosting India as the game is scheduled to begin at 1:30 PM IST.