Summary:
- The fourth Test match between India and Australia at MCG set a new attendance record with 350,700 spectators, breaking the previous record of 350,534 from the 1936-37 Ashes series.
- The final day drew 51,371 fans, contributing to the historic turnout that made this the second-highest attended cricket match in history after the 1999 India-Pakistan Eden Gardens clash.
- Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley highlighted the significant presence of Indian fans who traveled from various countries including the UK, Canada, and the US to witness the match.
- The record-breaking attendance was achieved in just five days, compared to the previous record set during a six-day Test match, demonstrating Test cricket’s enduring popularity.
The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) witnessed an unprecedented milestone as the fourth Test between India and Australia shattered an 87-year-old attendance record. A remarkable 350,700 spectators filled the iconic venue during the five-day Boxing Day Test, surpassing the previous record of 350,534 set during the 1937 Ashes series.
The historic moment arrived on day five when 51,371 fans entered the stadium during the morning session, with the crowd swelling to over 60,000 in the afternoon as India pursued a challenging 340-run target. The daily attendance figures showcased exceptional crowd participation: 87,242 on day one, 85,147 on day two, 83,073 on day three, 43,867 on day four, and 51,371 on day five.
Cricket Australia’s outgoing CEO Nick Hockley expressed his enthusiasm about the remarkable turnout. “The atmosphere last night when Nitish Kumar Reddy scored his hundred, the roar of the crowd was nothing that I have ever heard,” Hockley remarked, highlighting the significant Indian fan presence at the venue.
The match has now become the second-highest attended cricket game in history, only behind the India-Pakistan clash at Eden Gardens in 1999, which drew 465,000 spectators. This achievement particularly stands out as the 1937 record was set during a six-day Test match, while the current record was established in just five days.
The Melbourne Cricket Club had to make special arrangements to accommodate the unexpected surge in attendance, including opening Yarra Park for public parking on the final day – an unusual measure that led to some traffic congestion and delayed arrivals.
This record-breaking attendance validates Cricket Australia’s decision to expand the Border-Gavaskar Trophy from four to five Tests, demonstrating the enormous popularity of contests between these two cricketing powerhouses. The success extends beyond the MCG, with the upcoming Sydney Test already reporting near sell-out crowds for the first three days.
The historic turnout not only reflects the enduring appeal of Test cricket but also highlights the growing global reach of the sport, with fans traveling from various countries, including the UK, Canada, and the US, to witness this memorable series.
Source: The daily Star
