Sports fans from Abbotsford should head to the Melbourne Cricket Ground this Christmas, as this year’s Boxing Day Test Match will be held at the local venue.
While Australian great Ricky Ponting will not be taking part, having recently announced his retirement from test cricket, fans should get a chance to see other outstanding players such as T.M Dilshan and Kumar Sangakkara from Sri Lanka, as well as Australians Mike Hussey and Shane Watson.
The match starts on December 26 and will finish on Sunday, December 30 if it runs for the full five days. Children will get in free on day three as long as an adult with a valid ticket accompanies them.
A Boxing Day match has been played in Australia since 1950, but this is only the second time Sri Lanka has been in opposition. The first Boxing Day Test played between the two teams involved controversy when Sri Lankan bowler Muttiah Muralitharan was called for throwing by Australian umpire Darrell Hair.
As well as the entertainment on the pitch, there will be plenty of things to keep children and grown-ups occupied during the breaks. The family area offers face painting and balloon artists, as well as the chance for attendees to test their cricket skills and meet some of the players.
Cricket is very much an audience participation sport and banner printing offers the perfect way for fans to celebrate when a four or six is hit, as well as when a player is out.
Tickets for the match are on sale now. For more information visit Cricket Australia’s website.
Location
380 Johnston Street
Abbotsford, VIC 3067
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Mon: 8:30 - 5:00
Tue: 8:30 - 5:00
Wed: 8:30 - 5:00
Thu: 8:30 - 5:00
Fri: 8:30 - 5:00
Sat: Closed
Sun: Closed