Here's why 26th December Test is known as 'Boxing Day' match

One of the marquee occasions which every cricket fan looks forward to every year are the Tests played in the Southern Hemisphere countries like Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand, a day after Christmas. These are referred to as the Boxing Day Tests. For the uninitiated, December 26 is celebrated as Boxing Day in the United Kingdom and many other commonwealth countries such as Australia, New Zealand and Canada.

In countries like Australia and South Africa, the Boxing Day Test is an annual marquee affair where thousands of fans and millions around the world flock to the stadiums and their TV sets to enjoy top-quality Test cricket. Every year from December 26 to December 30, the Boxing Day Test is played in Australia at the storied Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) between the Australian team and any other team that is participating in that specific tour.

In 1950, Australia and England played in the first Boxing Day Test. This year, Australia is hosting South Africa at the iconic MCG. Though New Zealand aren't hosting any side this year for the Boxing Day Test, they're touring Pakistan and will be locking horns with them at the National Stadium in Karachi. 

Why is 26th December referred to as Boxing Day?

Boxing Day has nothing to do with the sport- Boxing, and received its name during Queen Victoria's reign in the 1800s.  There are various versions as to why 26th December is referred to as Boxing Day. The name has its origin from history and tradition. 

According to one version, the name ‘Boxing Day’ is a reference to holiday gifts. In Britain, a ‘Christmas Box’ refers to a Christmas present. Boxing day was traditionally a day-off for the servants where they would receive gifts from their masters and then go home to give the ‘Christmas Boxes’ to their families. Another version states that Boxing day refers to an occasion where the box containing money and gifts for the poor on Christmas was opened the next day.

The Boxing Day also has religious connections and is celebrated as St.Stephen’s Day in Ireland and the Catalonia region of Spain. Several European nations, including Hungary, Germany, Poland, and the Netherlands, observe Boxing Day as a second Christmas.