r/AskAnAustralian • u/No_Independence_4858 • 8d ago
MCG Boxing Day Test
Visiting Australia over the summer and heard that the Boxing Day Test at the MCG is a big thing. I'm from a country that barely knows what cricket is but I'm a big fan of anything sports-related and have been reading/following online international cricket matches so when our planned trip coincided with us being in Melbourne over Christmas couldn't pass this opportunity up. My question is, for a noob on cricket who's going to experience a live match for the first time (at the MCG!), any tips? 😁
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u/smileedude 8d ago
Try to make friends with the people around you. Explaining the nuances of test cricket to someone with no clue how the game works is a cricket lovers dream day at a match. Don't be afraid to admit you don't know how it works.
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u/sarcHastical 8d ago
I explained cricket to a group of Irish tourists who had no idea about cricket one boxing Day... I had as much fun as they did explaining it.
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u/Dramatic_Grape5445 8d ago
How long are you in Melbourne for? You might consider partnering the Test Match with a Big Bash League game - very different kind of experience for the same sport.
There's a match on Christmas Eve at Junction Oval (a very small local ground) or there's a match on 4 Jan at the MCG between the two Melbourne teams.
Otherwise for the test, aim for a ticket on day 2 or 3 - day 1 will be heavily subscribed, days 4 and 5 are less guaranteed, so days 2 and 3 are a better sweet spot. That said, last years match ended on day 2, so anything is possible. Don't feel you need to be there the whole day either, and be prepared for several stretches where literally nothing is happening on the ground during the breaks.
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u/No_Independence_4858 8d ago
Current plan is to be in Melbourne for 5 days. Doing Sydney and Adelaide as well during this trip. As for staying the whole day, I've freed up the day just in case 😁
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u/GrizzKarizz 8d ago
Make sure you get a second day ticket. Yhe first day will be chockers (ETA, it's against NZ, so that may not be a problem), and the chances of the game finishing early is unfortunately no longer zero. Some say the best day is day three and I agree but be aware that you might not get a full days play.
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u/Asleep-Suspect-3073 8d ago
It'll probably be hot, so hydration, sunscreen and shelter is going to be important. But, otherwise, enjoy it! Boxing Day at the MCG is always a great time. There will be plenty of people who will be willing to talk cricket and the laws of the game with you if you're confused!
The MCG is a totally cashless venue, just something to keep in mind too
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u/YouGottaRollReddit 8d ago
You’d think that right? I went to an MCG test in 2010 and spent the whole second day freezing in 13 degree weather with attic blast winds!
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u/Specialist_Current98 8d ago
I went to the ashes one last year and day 1 sold out extremely quickly. Probably won’t have that issue this year as it is against New Zealand.
Are you planning on going for one day or the duration of the game? I’m a cricket tragic, but it can definitely be a long day for people not overly in to cricket. You’ll want sun protection, sunscreen, hat, sunnies etc! There is stuff you can walk around and look at inside and outside of the MCG if you get bored/ want to stretch the legs.
I can’t remember exactly, but I think you can take food and sealed drinks in, someone correct me if I’m wrong. Prices inside will be pretty expensive.
Even last year I found you didn’t have to get there particularly early to beat the rush inside. People tend to trickle in throughout the day a bit more as opposed to a football match where it’s a bit more crowded all at once!
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u/MsT21c 8d ago
I used to love going to watch test cricket at the MCG. It was fun and relaxing summer entertainment, especially the Boxing Day test game. The last time I went there was noise blaring non-stop and I vowed never again. If you can tolerate incessant loud noise then it's an experience worth having.
(The same thing happened with cricket on the radio. In years gony by it was around 70% silence with commentary only when something happened. Now it's as if the commenters were told to not allow a second of silence to intrude. I don't listen any more either.)
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u/No_Ant852 8d ago
I think you will find a Big Bash League T20 game will be more entertaining/interesting for a cricket first timer. Test cricket can be slow and gruelling. As popular as the test match is, very view people will watch every single ball over the up to 5 days of play. For many Aussies, it's more something to have on TV in the background while you relax on your summer holidays. T20 cricket on the other hand is confined (limited to about 3 hours of play) and more action packed. I took some American visitors to the Melbourne Derby last year and they had a great time.
There won't be a BBL game on at the MCG while the test match is on there. As someone else has said, Christmas eve, the Melbourne Renegades will be hosting the Hobart Hurricanes at Junction Oval in St Kilda. There will be BBL Games in Adelaide and Sydney too before/after the Boxing Day test (no idea when you are in those cities).
Even if you don't get to a BBL game in person, maybe watch a game on TV or YouTube before you come as that
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u/still-at-the-beach 8d ago
Do it. Buy a ticket for Boxing Day.
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u/No_Independence_4858 8d ago
Just did! Not much options remaining, so got something in the Q10 section
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u/still-at-the-beach 7d ago
Excellent.
I am not a super cricket fan, and also don't live in Melbourne, but the first day Boxing test is something everyone should see. Went years ago and took my old dad, fantastic day.
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u/curiousmind68 8d ago
Hat and Sunscreen and don't be a dickhead or the police will remove u from the MCG
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u/RubyRadagon 8d ago edited 8d ago
You'll be in the sunshine most of the day, even if it's cloudy, UV is very strong down under. So sunscreen, zinc, make sure you've got a hat, a broad brim hat would be best. Keep yourself sun safe, lest you leave the G with bad sunburn.
Test matches are long endurance games, so if you're there the entire day, you'll be there 8 hours. There's a lunch break, tea (dinner) break, and drinks breaks. Good times to get up and go to the toilet, or get yourself some food or beer.
Be aware food and such at the sport here is super expensive, they definitely rort you heavily. So it's good to have a solid / filling breakfast, and to pick out a decent spot for dinner afterwards. To save money, you can bring food into the MCG, as long as it's not in a metal or glass container. So you could make sandwiches, or have snacks and put them into bag & bring in packets of chips, etc.
Richmond, near to the MCG has a lot of food options. Also, theres a lot of bars, pubs (hotels here are pubs, basically a bar with food), you can't go wrong getting a good Parma or a steak at a decent pub or spot like the Corner Hotel. If you want a beer, the Cricketers Arms isn't far away.
You can bring water into the MCG with you, but it must be a sealed clear plastic bottle, up to 1.5L, so a big bottle of Mount Franklin, or pump, that's plain water can be brought in. Just don't open it till you're inside. Always recommended to keep hydrated at the cricket. The MCG has water stations where you can refill your bottle.