December 25 of every year is celebrated as Christmas Day, a Christian holiday meant to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Over the years it has evolved from a religious occasion to a worldwide consumerist one to the extent that it has proliferated into other faiths as well.
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Perhaps lesser-known than Christmas is the holiday of Boxing Day, which is celebrated on December 26, the day after Christmas. The origins of the term are conflicting and unclear, but the most likely explanation is that it refers to alms boxes placed outside churches in medieval times.
In several countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa (called the Day of Goodwill here), the date is a public holiday and thus sees several community activities take place.
What is Boxing Day? What is the history and significance of Boxing Day Tests in cricket?
In the sport of cricket, the Boxing Day Test match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Australia is an occasion of great significance, and has become an integral part of the sport's calendar. Even before international cricket, domestic matches between Victoria and New South Wales were traditionally played on this day.
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The first-ever Boxing Day Test was held in 1950, as England visited Australia. Since 1980, there has been a Boxing Day Test every year, except 1989. South Africa were the visitors in 2022, with England, India and New Zealand visiting prior to that. Pakistan will be Australia's opponents in 2023, with India, England and South Africa scheduled to follow.
In an interview with ESPNCricinfo, Pakistan batter Saud Shakeel opened up on the significance of playing in a Boxing Day Test, for which he used to wake up at 5am to watch as a child in Pakistan. Shakeel said,
If I look at the vibe and the feel of the MCG, especially on Boxing Day, it's special. It's a very unique feeling and the excitement of this particular Test match is like none other. It's a huge opportunity for us, still.
No Pakistani side has won a series here [in Australia], so if we perform well and win the series, as a player, think of how much growth that will afford a player throughout a career.
Over the years, several visiting players have spoken in glowing terms about the atmosphere at the MCG during a Boxing Day Test, often describing it as a dream come true. This year, India and South Africa will also play a Test match on Boxing Day in Johannesburg.
Even though Boxing Day is celebrated in England as well, they do not have a Test to mark the occasion since the weather is not conducive. Boxing Day Tests are more of a tradition in the Southern Hemisphere -- countries like Australia and South Africa -- since it is in the summer and their peak cricket season.
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