Boxing Day Test: What Is It? Why Is the Day After Christmas So Important?
‘Boxing Day’ brings with it cricket action. Australia will play Pakistan in the second Test of the series, while India will play South Africa in the first Test of the two-match assignment. Cricket organizations aim to arrange major international matches on this day each year, and this year is no exception with two major tournaments planned. But why is ‘Boxing Day’ such a unique sporting event?
In sports, Boxing Day signifies the first day back on the field after Christmas. December 26 is known as “Boxing Day” everywhere in the globe each year. However, the word “boxing” has nothing to do with how it is used in sports.
Boxing Day: What Is It?
Although the history of the day is unknown, a generally accepted idea contends that the term comes from the custom of wealthy individuals giving presents and cash in the form of a “Christmas Box” to tradespeople and servants on the day after Christmas. A year of service used to be considered reward enough for the box.
Boxing Day is said to have originated from the post-Christmas custom of churches setting boxes outside their doors to collect money for the less fortunate and to decorate for Christmas. According to a different belief, it originates from Britain’s illustrious naval heritage and the times when long-haul ships would keep a sealed box of cash on board. If the journey was successful, a priest would receive the box and deliver it to the underprivileged.
What does cricket’s Boxing Day mean?
Boxing Day cricket is nothing new. The 19th century is when the custom first appeared.
The beginning of Boxing Day matches in Australia is generally believed to have occurred during a Sheffield Shield match between Victoria and New South Wales at the Melbourne Cricket Ground back in 1865. Australia and Pakistan will play cricket at the MCG on Boxing Day, 2023.
The Boxing Day Tests have grown in importance on cricket boards’ global calendars over time. Families and friends often show up to the stadiums to watch cricket matches.
The two countries where Boxing Day Test matches are primarily scheduled are Australia and South Africa.
