New milestones and legends remembered in memorable Boxing Day Test

A number of remarkable individual performances during the 2022 Boxing Day Test has seen a trio of names etched onto the prestigious MCG honour boards – feats that will forever feature at the birthplace of Test cricket, with Australia defeating South Africa by an innings and 182 runs at the iconic ground.

Cameron Green was the first of the Australians to find his place in MCG Test history, taking his maiden Test five wicket haul on Day 1, 5/27.

The opening day of the Test also saw an outpouring of support and tributes dedicated to cricket icon, Shane Warne, at the ground where he consolidated his legendary status with achievements forever tied to Boxing Day Test folklore.

A constant stream of fans could be seen stopping at the Shane Warne Statue outside Gate 2 on their way to the ground wearing Warne’s favoured headwear - the famous white floppy hat - and white zinc.

Both the Australia and South Africa sides reflected on Warne’s legacy as a moving highlights package played on the big screen before the start of play, with the 64, 876 fans in attendance reliving some of Warne’s defining moments.

Play paused at 3.50pm with a standing ovation in honour of Warne’s stellar career.

Day 2 saw David Warner defy his critics with a remarkable double century before retiring hurt on 200 due to extreme cramping as a result of heat exhaustion, having spent the majority of the day in the middle as the heat soared to 38 degrees.

Warner’s efforts were even more triumphant given the pressure he faced coming into the Test having not made a Test century since January 2020.

The 239-run partnership with Steve Smith (85) steered Australia to 3/386 at stumps on day two.

Australia went into day three in full control of the Proteas, despite the side’s bowling attack experiencing a few setbacks with finger injuries to Mitchell Starc and Cameron Green.

By that afternoon, there was another Australian putting the Proteas under more duress with the bat. This time it was Alex Carey who produced a maiden Test century – the image of Cameron Green embracing his teammate in a moment of sheer elation a highlight for all watching on.

As well as paying homage to Shane Warne, Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC) acknowledged the outstanding contributions of Rod Marsh and Andrew Symonds, following their deaths in March and May respectively.

Marsh’s century in the 1977 Centenary Test match at the MCG saw him became the first Australian wicket-keeper to score a Test century.

In fitting fashion, recollections of Marsh’s century at this Test began to re-emerge following Carey’s milestone moment as he become the second wicketkeeper at the MCG in Test history to score a century.

While the 2006 Boxing Day Test is often remembered for Warne’s 700th wicket in his final MCG Test match, Symonds also starred as the team’s top scorer with 156 in what was his first Test century – a joyous moment that will be replayed for many years to come.

The MCC will continue to honour all three legends, with their absence felt across this Test.

A total of 155, 714 fans attended the Test across four days, with an incredible display of support from both the public and MCC members.

The MCC Library – a national sporting treasure with a comprehensive collection of books from all around the world - saw 3,000 patrons visit the cherished space, making it the highest number of visitors in a non-Ashes series since 2016.

David Warner was awarded the Johnny Mullagh Medal for best player of the match.