AUS vs IND 2024-25: Boxing Day Test shatters all-time attendance record at MCG

The iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) created history during the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in 2024, shattering an all-time attendance record for a Test match in Australia. Over five days, 350,700 spectators visited the venue, exceeding the previous record of 350,534 set in 1937. 

The previous record was set back in January 1937, when a Sir Donald Bradman-led Australia faced England in a six-day Test at the MCG. Now in 2024, the MCG has once again created a historic feat. With India’s massive fan base and the high stakes of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the Boxing Day Test proved to be a magnet for cricket lovers. The milestone is even more remarkable considering that the modern Test format spans five days compared to six in Bradman’s era.

From the outset, the Boxing Day Test promised to draw large crowds. Day 1 set the tone with a record-breaking attendance of 87,242, the highest-ever single-day crowd for a Test involving India in Australia. The trend continued with 85,147 on Day 2 and 83,073 on Day 3, making it the largest third-day turnout for a Boxing Day Test since 1937. By the end of Day 4, the total stood at 299,329, with 43,867 fans in attendance that day.

Day 5, traditionally the least attended, saw a surprising 51,371 spectators coming in, pushing the total attendance to 350,700 and breaking the longstanding record. By the second session on the final day, the count stood at 66,208 spectators in the stadium.

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The MCG didn't expect a crowd like this: Australian journalist Tom Morrison

The MCG’s management couldn't accommodate the overwhelming demand, even opening Yarra Park for public parking. Australian journalist Tom Morrison described the scenes at the venue on his social media.

"The MCG didn't expect a crowd like this, nor did CA. They are scrambling to find food and beverages for the 75k expected crowd + security to open up all levels. They are emphasizing ice creams, shipping as many in as they can. Unreal atmosphere," Morrison said on X.

The record-breaking attendance also drew comparisons to India’s strong showings at the MCG during the 2022 T20 World Cup, where over 90,000 fans watched their clash against Pakistan. Meanwhile, in the game, the visitors require 245 runs to win this game in a minimum of 48 overs. For the hosts if they wish to go 2-1 in the series they would have to pick seven more wickets to triumph over Rohit Sharma-led side.