The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) will be hosting 30000 cricket fans on each day of the Boxing-Day Test between India and Australia. Cricket Australia has eased down the restrictions for the Australian crowds on December 10. Earlier, the authorities had restricted the capacity to 25000 per day for the MCG Test.
Victoria’s Sports Minister, Martin Pakula confirmed the news that Boxing Day Test capacity increased to 30,000 per day following the approval by State’s Health Officer, Professor Brett Sutton. The State has witnessed its 41st Covid-free day on Thursday, so they decided to increase the capacity for MCG.
The Grandeur Melbourne Cricket Ground has a capacity of 1,00,000 fans. Every year, the Melbourne Cricket Ground hosts a Test match on the Boxing-Day (next day to the Christmas Day). The long-living tradition of the Boxing-Day Test was first started in 1950.
The Australian board has also increased the cap for Melbourne Cricket Club members. Earlier, the board capped the capacity of MCC members to 5700 but now they have increased the number further to 6900, with the rest of the stadium filled by the general public, AFL members, and a few corporates.
Cricket Australia has limited the crowd capacity for the first Test at Adelaide Oval to 27000 per day. While the Sydney Cricket Ground can host up to 23000 fans each day of the Third Test. Whereas, the Gabba could invite 30000 fans per day for the fourth Test. The first Test match between India and Australia would kickstart on December 17 with the Pink-ball game at the Adelaide Oval, following the limited-overs series.Â