Melbourne Cricket Ground Likely To Increase Crowd Capacity For The Boxing Day Test

The Victorian Government could possibly increase the crowd capacity for the impending Boxing Day Test this summer at the Melbourne Cricket Ground after the state reached 40 days without a fresh COVID-19 case. India and Australia will clash in the second of the four-match Test series at the MCG, starting from the 26th of December. While initially, the authorities decided to allow only 25000 people, it could increase drastically.

The Boxing Day Test is undoubtedly one of the biggest cricketing day of the year in Australia and every year; the crowd is almost at full capacity. It seems likely that if the streak continues, more people could appear to watch the Big Bash League games, beginning from the 10th of December. The MCG, which has a capacity of over one lakh, will host six BBL games.

Victorian Sports Minister Martin Pakula underlined that there is indeed a possibility, provided the Chief Health Officer provides the green signal. Martin Pakula revealed that they are working closely with Cricket Australia and the MCG and conversations are surrounding the same. Nevertheless, the final decision comes down to the CHO whether he will allow more than 25000 in the stadium.

“There is a possibility. Ultimately, it’ll be in the hands of the chief health officer. It will come as no surprise to you to know that Cricket Australia would like more if they could get more. I’m working closely with Cricket Australia and with the MCG, there are conversations happening within the government about it. But ultimately, the CHO will make a decision about whether there’s any more than 25,000,” Pakula said as quoted by thenewdaily.com.au.

It’d be amazing to play the Boxing Day Test in front of the crowds : Matthew Wade

Keeper-batsman Matthew Wade feels delightful to play amongst the crowd of 25000 and can’t wait to do the same. The Tasmanian underlined that whether the capacity is of 5000 or 105,000, the prospect of playing the Boxing Day Test in front of people sounds magnificent.

“It’d be amazing. We’d be very, very happy with 25,000 to be honest after playing in front of no crowds for a period of time. Whether there’s 5000 or 105,000, it’ll still be the same special moment for us to play in a Boxing day Test. But the more the merrier isn’t it?,” Wade stated.

Also Read: Virat Kohli Lauds ‘Hard Working’, ‘Humble’ T Natarajan