As ‘Boxing Day’ arrives, so does cricketing motion, with Australia scheduled to tackle Pakistan within the 2nd Test of the collection whereas India are set to sq. off with South Africa within the opening match of the 2-Test project. Every single 12 months, cricketing our bodies try to schedule necessary matches of worldwide significance on at the present time, and the case this 12 months is not any completely different, with two massive occasions scheduled. But what makes ‘Boxing Day’ so particular in sports activities?

Boxing Day in sports activities marks the return of motion to the pitch on the primary day after Christmas. Every 12 months, December 26 is known as ‘Boxing Day’ all the world over. But, the time period ‘Boxing’ has little to do with its sporting interpretation.

What Is Boxing Day?

While the origin of the day shouldn’t be identified, a extensively accepted idea means that the identify stems from the custom the place wealthier individuals give a so-called “Christmas Box” containing cash and presents to servants and tradesmen the day after Christmas. The field was seen as a reward for a 12 months of service.

Some additionally imagine that Boxing Day comes from the post-Christmas apply of Churches inserting containers out their doorways to gather cash for the underprivileged members of society and lightweight up their Christmas. Another idea states that it comes from Britain’s proud naval custom and the times when a sealed field of cash can be stored on board for prolonged voyages. The field can be then given to a priest to be distributed to the poor if the voyage was profitable.

What is Boxing Day in Cricket?

Cricket on Boxing Day is not one thing new. The custom dates again to the nineteenth century.

A Sheffield Shield match between Victoria and New South Wales on the Melbourne Cricket Ground again in 1865 is extensively thought-about because the origin of Boxing Day matches in Australia. Event on Boxing Day, 2023, Australia are enjoying cricket in opposition to Pakistan on the MCG.

Over the years, Boxing Day Tests have turn out to be central to cricket boards’ schedules the world over. More typically than not, households and mates flip as much as watch cricket matches within the stadiums.

Primarily, Australia and South Africa are the 2 nations the place Boxing Day Test matches are religiously scheduled.