Top 5 Boxing Day Test Matches
Boxing Day test match is one of the most anticipated traditions in cricket and the Melbourne Cricket ground has been its iconic venue. Since 1950s, Melbourne has hosted the Boxing Day test and it was made a regular since 1980s. Here are the top 5 test matches that have been played on 26th December so far.
1994/95 Ashes Tour, 2nd Test
This one has Shane Warne written all over it. Steve Waugh's men posted 279 in the first innings. Shane Warne, in reply, tore English batting line up apart picking up 6 wickets and dismissing them for 212. Australia set target of 388 for Englishmen. Shane Warne made sure they didn't get anywhere close by picking up a hat-trick to dismiss England for just 92.
2003/04 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, 3rd Test
Trailing the series 1-0, it was a must win fixture for Australia. Virender Sehwag played a breathtaking innings in Melbourne with 25 fours and 5 sixes and was dismissed 5 short his double ton. Sachin Tendulkar was unfortunately dismissed for a duck. In reply, Ricky Ponting overshadowed Sehwag's heroics with a 257 run-knock. Australia levelled the series by winning the match by 9 wickets.
2006/07 Ashes Tour, 4th Test
This match was the last Boxing Day test for Australian greats Justin Langer, Damien Martyn, Glenn McGrath, and Shane Warne. The spin legend also claimed his 700th test scalp by clean bowling Andrew Strauss. Australia won by an innings and 99 runs. Shane Warne was named 'Man of the Match' for his bowling figures of 5/39 and 2/46. A fitting farewell to the legend.
1998/99 Ashes Tour, 4th Test
Australia were on the verge of a victory in this test chasing a small target of 175 runs. Australia even reached 3-130, but then England pacer Dean Headley stuck to turn the tide. Mark Waugh was dismissed and Australia lost three quick wickets to Headley for no runs. Australia were within 14-runs of the target but Headley and Darren Gough wrapped up the tail.
1982/83 Ashes Tour, 4th Test
This is the most remarkable match that kept fans glued to their seats until the very last ball. After bowling out England for 284 in the first innings, Australians posted 287. England then set a target of 292. Australia were 218 for 9 needing 74 to win, but they hung on. But, Ian Botham claimed the final wicket with Australia requiring 4 to win.
