Find out the meaning of “Boxing Day” in sports and when and why is it celebrated in test cricket and football
For the unfamiliar, Boxing Day is a holiday usually celebrated after Christmas day. Initially, it was just a day to celebrate or exchange gifts to those in need, however, with time, it evolved as a part of Christmas festivities.
What is the Boxing Day in sports, meaning in test cricket and football explained, date and history
https://twitter.com/coldvinga/status/1870220850076479691
This day which falls on 26 December every year originated in the United Kingdom and is celebrated in numerous Commonwealth nations. It is also concurrent with the Saint Stephen’s day, a Christian festival.
Although initially, this day a way to exchange gifts, it is also called the “offering day.” It a type of bank holiday or public holiday and is celebrated on December 26th annually. Traditionally, it was a day when employers gave gifts to their employees as a token of appreciation, especially for those who worked during the holidays.
Boxing Day in Sports
As aforesaid, Boxing Day aka Offering day is particularly observed across Commonwealth countries. Matches held or starting on December 26 are known as “Boxing Day” matches in sports.
This day marks the opening of the festive sports season, nestled between Christmas and New Year’s celebrations. The origins of Boxing Day trace back to 1871 in the West, where it was established as a holiday, with first Boxing day football match was being held in 1888.
The first Boxing Day football match took place in England between Bolton Wanderers vs West Bromwich Albion. West Brom holds the record for the most matches played on Boxing Day, with 105 games to date.
Among players, Robbie Fowler and Harry Kane are tied as the top scorers on Boxing Day, with 9 goals each. Horse racing also holds a prominent place on this day in England.
For cricket enthusiasts, Boxing Day is synonymous with Australia’s test cricket matches at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. In Australia, the Boxing Day test is a synonym with world-class cricket. In 2024, India vs Australia will play the boxing day test match at the MCG.
Meanwhile, South Africa also has a tradition of hosting BD Test matches, with The Wanderers often serving as the venue. In 2021, however, Centurion hosted the BD Test between India and South Africa, continuing the legacy of this special day in cricket.
At the time of writing this article, India has participated in a total of 14 Boxing Day test matches, losing 8, winning 4, and drawing 2.
Hello Indian fans 👋
Travis head ready for BOXING DAY TEST Match👊#AUSvIND
pic.twitter.com/Nyo0ohKpre— Aussies Army🏏🦘 (@AussiesArmy) December 19, 2024
ALSO READ: AP Dhillon vs Diljit Dosanjh Instagram controversy explained as concert video goes viral