India-Australia fourth Test sets new attendance record
MCG Sets Historic Attendance Record During Border-Gavaskar Trophy Clash
The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) made history during the fourth Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test, setting a new attendance record for a Test match in Australia. Over five days, an astonishing 351,104 fans filled the iconic venue, surpassing the previous record of 350,534 set in 1937 during a legendary clash between Australia and England led by Sir Donald Bradman.
The final day alone drew 51,371 fans, surpassing expectations and outshining the 43,867 who attended day four—a rare trend that even surprised the Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC), the body managing the stadium.
Daily attendance figures for the match were:
- Day 1: 87,242
- Day 2: 85,147
- Day 3: 83,073
- Day 4: 43,867
- Day 5: 51,371
The overwhelming turnout on the final day created logistical challenges, with heavy traffic and long queues due to limited gate access. To accommodate the influx, Yarra Park was opened for parking, a measure usually reserved for special occasions.
This remarkable turnout comes on the heels of another memorable moment for Indian cricket fans at the MCG, where 90,293 fans attended India’s thrilling T20 World Cup match against Pakistan in 2022, and 82,507 witnessed their clash against Zimbabwe.
As for the ongoing Test series, tied at 1-1, Australia set India a challenging target of 340 runs. However, India faced an uphill battle on the final day, struggling at under 150 runs with seven wickets down, staring at a likely defeat.
The electrifying atmosphere and record-breaking crowds highlight the global appeal of cricket and the enduring significance of the Border-Gavaskar rivalry.
