The fourth Test between Australia and India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) set a new attendance record for Test cricket in Australia. By early day five on Monday, a crowd of 51,371 brought the total attendance to an unprecedented 351,700 since the match began on Boxing Day, surpassing the previous record of 350,534 set during the 1936-37 Ashes series.
Cricket Australia celebrated the milestone, tweeting, “Thank you, Melbourne. An Australian cricketing record, an MCG record, and history made.”
The series also broke the record for Boxing Day Test attendance, previously held by the 2013-14 Ashes with 271,865 spectators.
Cricket Australia chief Nick Hockley highlighted the international nature of the fanbase, stating, “What’s been particularly special about this series is the number of India fans, from not just India but all around the world.” He noted the global appeal of the match, with fans traveling from the UK, Canada, and the US to witness the spectacle.
The MCG’s status as a storied venue in cricket’s history added to the allure, making the clash a landmark event in the sport’s annals.