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The Ashes: MCG set for MASSIVE Boxing Day Test crowd after COVID restrictions ease

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Catherine HealeyThe West Australian
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The last big Boxing Day Test crowd came in 2019.
Camera IconThe last big Boxing Day Test crowd came in 2019. Credit: SCOTT BARBOUR/AAPIMAGE

Melbourne cricket authorities are still holding out hope for a bumper 100,000 crowd at the upcoming Ashes Boxing Day Test match.

But MCC CEO Stuart Fox says it’s more likely a capped crowd of 80,000 will be permitted for the biggest event on the Australian cricket calendar.

“Even at 80,000, it’s a great number because we haven’t been attending live sport. I think the demand will be there,” he said on SEN.

“After what we’ve been through, the thought of 80,000 is pretty exciting for us. I’d take that any day of the week.

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“I’m just thinking about that first ball being bowled, day one of the Ashes.

“I actually think it will be a really, really special day, I think it will be quite emotional.”

Cricket fans line up to enter the MCG in 2019.
Camera IconCricket fans line up to enter the MCG in 2019. Credit: SCOTT BARBOUR/AAPIMAGE

Fox said he expects restrictions to be put in place, permitting only vaccinated patrons entering the MCG.

“I think it’s highly likely that it will be a fully vaccinated crowd,” he said.

“Young kids love coming to the cricket as well, so we don’t want to exclude kids who haven’t had the opportunity yet to be vaccinated.”

Just 30,000 people were allowed at each day of the Boxing Day Test in 2020 due to COVID restrictions.

It meant the total crowd figure was the lowest in more than two decades — when just 48,565 people turned out to watch the 1993 drawn series against South Africa.

Crowd restrictions were in place for the 2020 Boxing Day Test against India.
Camera IconCrowd restrictions were in place for the 2020 Boxing Day Test against India. Credit: SCOTT BARBOUR/AAPIMAGE

But the MCG remains in the running to host two Ashes Tests in 2021/22, with Perth’s final Test still in limbo over WA’s border restrictions.

With less than a week separating Sydney’s Fourth Test and Perth’s Fifth, players from both Australia and England would be subjected to strict quarantine laws on arrival into WA.

If the players won’t agree to travel to WA, then both the MCG and SCG are prepared to host the final Test match of the Ashes series.

Fans in the MCG stands back in 2019.
Camera IconFans in the MCG stands back in 2019. Credit: SCOTT BARBOUR/AAPIMAGE

Turning his attention to the upcoming 2022 AFL season, Fox said early indications were for full capacity crowds from round one.

“It’s looking good isn’t it?” he said.

“Wouldn’t it be fantastic if we can kick off the football season with full crowds?

“We’re hoping for full capacity by football.”

Melbourne residents came out of lockdown last Saturday, with 89 per cent of the population now having at least the first dose of the COVID vaccine.

Further restrictions will ease when the State reaches the 80 per cent fully vaccinated milestone — with some predicting that milestone as soon as next month.

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