A new attendance record has been established for a Test match in Australia. Over 350,700 spectators entered the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) during the five days of the fourth Test between Australia and India. This surpasses the previous record of 350,534 set in 1937.
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Cricket Australia confirmed on Monday that 51,371 people had attended the first session of the fifth day, with more expected later.
This attendance figure means the 2024 MCG Boxing Day Test has attracted more spectators than the six-day Test match between a Sir Donald Bradman-led Australia and England in January 1937 at the same venue.
The crowds for this Test match have been exceptional.
The daily attendance figures were 87,242, 85,147, 83,073, 43,867, and 51,371, with the final count for day five still pending.
A higher attendance on day five compared to day four is unusual. The Melbourne Cricket Club, which manages the MCG, underestimated the day five numbers.
The Melbourne Cricket Club opened Yarra Park outside the MCG for general public parking on day five. This is an uncommon occurrence.
Only one gate was opened, causing significant traffic congestion before the start of play, resulting in some fans arriving late.
These record-breaking numbers follow the substantial crowds that attended India’s matches at the MCG during the 2022 T20 World Cup. A crowd of 90,293 watched India play Pakistan. Another 82,507 spectators attended the India versus Zimbabwe match.
