New Delhi: Generally today i.e. 26th December is celebrated as Boxing Day 2021 all over the world. This day is celebrated on the next day after Christmas. Although it has nothing to do with boxing. But, it has a lot of importance in the game. In the cricket world, the Test match held in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa is called Boxing Day Test. Where every year as a tradition, the Boxing Day Test is played on 26 December and the New Year Test match is played from 2 or 3 January.
boxing day test
Talking about Australia, the Ashes series is being played here, where it is facing England today. On the other hand, if we talk about South Africa, from today itself, they are going to compete with India on the soil of South Africa. The 3 test match series between India and South Africa will start from today itself. Countries like Australia, New Zealand, South Africa try every year to end their year with the Boxing Day Test and start the new year with the New Year Test.
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History of India in Boxing Day Test
India played its first Boxing Day Test match against Australia in 1985. The result of which was a draw. On the other hand, if we talk about the record, then India has not been good in the Boxing Day Test. India has played a total of 14 Boxing-Day Tests so far. Where he has won only three Boxing Day Tests. Including the last two Boxing Day Tests in Australia. There have been two matches drawn. They have to face defeat in the remaining matches. India and South Africa have played five Boxing Day Test matches since 1992, where South Africa has managed to beat India four times. Let us tell you that India has played a total of 14 Boxing-Day Tests so far.
Sports other than cricket
Boxing Day is not limited to just cricket, after Christmas, there is a special belief about it in Commonwealth countries. Apart from cricket, Boxing Day is of great importance in many other sports, many matches are played on this day. In football, the English Premier League and the Scottish Premiership are also held. Many other sports are also played there.
history of boxing day
Boxing Day started many years ago. There are many theories behind this. In Britain, the day originated centuries ago as a gift-giving day. In fact, due to the busyness of the Christmas day, the merchants did not have much time left, so they used to give gift boxes to their employees and loved ones on the next day of Christmas. Another belief is that, on December 26, on Boxing Day, traditionally the box is opened in the church. This day is also celebrated as Feast Day of St. Stevens.