Up to 25,000 spectators to be permitted for MCG Boxing Day Test between Australia and India

The news was revealed as it was announced that a new three-year deal had been agreed for the iconic venue to host international matches for the next three summers

The Boxing Day Test between Australia and India at the MCG will be played in front of a crowd of up to 25,000.

The news was revealed as it was announced that a new three-year deal had been agreed for the iconic venue to host international matches for the next three summers. According to the Future Tours Programme, Australia are due to welcome England in 2021 and South Africa in 2022.

The MCG first hosted a Boxing Day Test in 1950. Since 1980, there has been just a single year – 1989 – when the stadium has not hosted a Test on the day after Christmas.

With spectators returning to sporting events following the shutdown caused by the coronavirus pandemic, the Victorian Government, Melbourne Cricket Club and Cricket Australia have been tasked with putting together a Covid-secure plan for a significant number of supporters to attend, which will be the second of Australia and India’s four-match series.

A crowd of 25,000 fans would constitute roughly a quarter of the overall ground capacity, though crowd numbers will be confirmed nearer the time.

Melbourne Cricket Club chief executive Stuart Fox said: “Under our new Covid-safe protocols, we’re working closely with the Victorian Government and Cricket Australia to host this year’s Boxing Day Test at the MCG.”

Minister for tourism, sport and major events Martin Pakula added: “This has been a tough year and it will be just reward for many to have the opportunity to watch the Aussies take on India at our cathedral of sport. And to have the fixture locked in until 2022 is fantastic.”

The schedule for India’s tour was also confirmed on Wednesday, with Tests taking place at the Adelaide Oval, MCG, Sydney Cricket Ground and The Gabba.

Those matches will be preceded by two three-match white-ball series; the ODI series features consecutive day-night games at the SCG and one game at the Manuka Oval, Canberra. The same two grounds also share the subsequent T20I series.