The Melbourne Boxing Day test is one of the greatest sporting events in the world. One of those institutions which is as much a cultural one as a sporting one. Think the FA Cup Final, The Super Bowl Final, the Prix De l'Arc de Triomphe, the Monaco Grand Prix etc. The MCG is the biggest cricket ground in the world and the crowds that the Boxing Day test attracts make this a sporting spectacular which is on the bucket list of many a sports fan.

When we planned the trip back in February and I realised that we would be in Melbourne for Boxing Day, I did have a sneaky look to see who was going to be playing in the test, but the fixtures hadn’t been published at that time, so I put it out of my mind.

Later it was confirmed that New Zealand would be this year’s visitors. Because overseas TV rights are so lucrative for the Boxing Day Test when England, South Africa, India or Pakistan play, New Zealand have rarely been invited to participate in the Boxing Day Test - in fact the last time these two played each other in this fixture was 32 years ago.

Anyway, even with the tantalising prospect of the two neighbours competing I hadn’t thought much about going. Paul is not a cricket fan, he would never come and it would be unfair for me to disappear for a day on our holiday. Once here, talking to Aussies, the subject of cricket naturally came up in conversation and talk of the Boxing Day test. But, again I didn’t think much about it. So imagine my surprise when, on our first evening in Melbourne, Paul said - “Do you want to go to the test match, my treat?”

“Are you sure?”
“Yes”
“But it would be a whole day of our holiday?”
“It’s fine”
“But you don’t like cricket”
“I don’t mind, I can take a book. If it’s what makes you happy, then I’m happy. Now just book the bloody tickets!”
“Ok, thank you. We can leave at lunchtime if you don’t like it....”

It being so late, we didn’t have much choice when it came to booking. The back of the highest stand - but hey we were going!

An early start on Boxing Day morning began with a group video chat with the family. Much mayhem and feedback later “mute your microphone.....don’t be sat together and both have your volume on” etc we finally managed to exchange Christmas best wishes at what was the end of their Christmas Day. Technology is amazing and the fact that we were all able to share a bit of Christmas together, despite the vast distance between us, meant a lot.

Heading to the MCG (or the “G” as the locals like to call it) we encountered a lot of New Zealanders. Sporting occasions are always much better when there are plenty of away fans to liven up the atmosphere. And liven it up they did. When the Australian opener’s stumps were destroyed off the fourth ball of the day we could have been in Auckland rather than Australia.

The truth be told, it wasn’t the greatest day of cricket I have watched. New Zealand’s bowlers made it difficult for the Australians to score, but it never really felt that the Australian wickets were in danger. Reflected by the end of day score 257/4.

But it was fantastic to be there, it was the second highest non Ashes attendance ever with over 80,000 there and great to be a part of. The seats were good, a fantastic view that allowed us to soak up the whole experience. Paul didn’t pick up his book once and actually enjoyed it.

We did duck out early, with about an hour’s play left to go, and headed back into the city centre for a final explore, shop (I bought a bag) and a bite to eat by the river before we went back to the hotel.
It was a great day, thank you Paul. Definitely one to remember and it ended with my best night’s sleep of the holiday! Today we head back to Sydney.....