Mark Taylor Reckons Australia-India Clash On Boxing Day Would Look Damp Without Crowd

Former Australian captain Mark Taylor is disappointed with the possibility of Boxing Day Test between Australia and India moving out of Melbourne. The Boxing Day Test is one of the most auspicious occasions in the Western countries and occurs one day after the 25th of December (Christmas). The first Boxing Day Test took place in 1950 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) between Australia and England.

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The COVID-19 pandemic hovering all over the world has threatened the possibility of robbing Melbourne of hosting the Test. While Australia appeared as a relatively safe bet, the number of cases in Victoria have risen alarmingly. The same has opened up the possibility of forcing Melbourne into a lockdown situation.

Mark Taylor feels that Test matches taking place on Boxing Day deserves the maximum possible crowd. While the MCG has the capacity to accommodate more than 100000 spectators, Mark Taylor fears that the health crisis may allow only 10000-20000 people to be seated.

Hence, the same would not look good for a high-voltage clash between Australia and India. The 55-year old suggested that the encounter could shift to the Optus Stadium in Perth or the Adelaide Oval. The latter venue loves witnessing India play.

“Could it move? Obviously, because if you look at what is happening across Australia by Christmas time the MCG may only be able to host 10,000 or 20,000 people which will not look great for an iconic test like Australia and India.

You move that to Optus stadium in Perth or even Adelaide Oval you will get full venues. Adelaide in particular loves seeing the Indians play. The India-Pakistan game in the World Cup sold out in 52 mins or something.” Mark Taylor told Channel 9.

Mark Taylor States that Perth would be vying hard to occupy their spot as hosts:

The New South Wales batsman went on to say that the Optus Stadium in Perth might fight tooth and nail to host Virat Kohli’s men the coming summer. The stadium in Perth can accommodate 60000 supporters and is regarded the best venue after MCG in Australia.

“Those venues specially Perth will be trying hard to get that game as it would look better with full crowds.” the 104-Test veteran added.

Earlier, Australian Test captain Tim Paine also expressed worry at the thought of the Boxing Day Test moving out of Melbourne. The hosts, with the likes of Steve Smith, David Warner, James Pattinson, and Marnus Labuschagne would look to avenge their series defeat down under against India in 2018-19. The four-Test rubber begins at the Gabba in Brisbane in December where Australia hasn’t lost a game since 1988.

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