The highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar trophy is up for grabs, and the excitement is palpable as the five-match Test series between India and Australia reaches its midpoint.
But it’s not just the cricketing action that’s heating up – the temperature in Melbourne is expected to soar to a scorching 40 degrees on the first day of the Boxing Day Test!
Fans, Be Prepared!
Cricket Australia has issued a warning to the sold-out crowd on Boxing Day, advising them to take necessary precautions to beat the heat. CA’s chief of cricket, James Allsopp, is urging fans to stay hydrated and protected from the sun. “The big thing is just making sure we encourage everyone to take proper precautions,” he said.
Drinks Breaks Galore!
To ensure the players’ safety, there will be additional drinks breaks throughout the match. Allsopp assured that the players’ well-being is the top priority. “For the players, they’ll probably be additional drinks breaks if it’s going to be the temperatures they’re expecting,” he added.
A Record-Breaking Day?
According to senior meteorologist Angus Hines at the Bureau of Meteorology, Melbourne is likely to break a weather record on Boxing Day. “A very hot Boxing Day for large parts of the country. Melbourne could be the warmest day for the first day of the Boxing Day test that we’ve seen on record,” Hines predicted. Melbourne is currently expected to reach a sweltering 39C on Boxing Day.
A Relief in Sight?
While the temperatures are expected to reach extreme levels, Allsopp believes that the first and second sessions might not be as hot. “Usually in Melbourne, the temperature gets a lot hotter later in the afternoon, so I anticipate the first and second session won’t get to that extreme, but obviously we want to make sure all our fans are looked after,” he said.
A Record Crowd in the Making?
With all general public tickets sold out for the upcoming Boxing Day Test, the question on everyone’s mind is – will the turnout challenge the earlier records? The MCG’s record turnout is 93,013 at the 2015 World Cup final, and 91,112 for a single day of Test cricket during the 2012-13 Ashes. Allsopp is optimistic about breaking the record. “We genuinely feel like there could be a record on the crowd, there’ll certainly be a record for an India-Australia Boxing Day Test.”
The Series Heats Up!
The boxing Day Test is just the beginning of an intense series. After Melbourne, the action shifts to Sydney for the New Year’s Test. Will India or Australia take the lead? Stay tuned to find out!