Australia suffers 10 million Dollar loss from Boxing Day Test

Darwin, 28 December: The Boxing Day Test in Melbourne ended inside two days, with England having the final say in a match dominated by batting failures. Chasing a modest target of 175 runs, England reached the total with four wickets in hand on Saturday, handing Australia their third defeat in the Boxing Day Test.

However, England’s two-day victory has resulted in a major financial blow for Australian cricket. The early finish is estimated to have caused losses of up to 10 million Australian dollars (£5 million). With three days still remaining on a bowler-friendly pitch, the premature conclusion of the match significantly reduced expected revenue.

More than 90,000 spectators were expected to attend on the third day, including up to 20,000 travelling England supporters. As the match ended on the second day, sales of merchandise, food, and beverages dropped sharply.

According to a report by The Guardian, Cricket Australia (CA) estimates that the early finish will result in a revenue loss of around 10 million Australian dollars (£4.97 million).

Following the opening match in Perth, the second Test of the series also ended within two days, with England securing a four-wicket victory in the evening session of the second day. This was England’s first Test win in Australia since 2011.

Melbourne Cricket Club chief executive Stuart Fox told the BBC that discussions had taken place about players returning on the third day for an exhibition match to satisfy ticket holders and broadcasters. However, it is understood that these talks did not progress far enough to be formally raised with the England team.