Key Takeaways
- The England cricket team won the Boxing Day Test, despite the match being shorter than ideal, with day three tickets still available for purchase ranging from $88 to $187.
- English teen Tommy Lamb, who travelled over four months to attend the match, said the win made his trip worth it, regardless of the length of play.
- Up to 40,000 England fans are expected to join the Barmy Army’s activities in Melbourne, with many bars and restaurants expected to benefit from the influx of tourists.
- Cricket fans expressed frustration on social media about the short match, with some calling it "not enjoyable" and "not exciting".
- The win is England’s first Ashes Test victory in Australia since 2011, prompting celebrations among English fans.
Introduction to the Boxing Day Test
The Boxing Day Test, a highly anticipated event in the cricket calendar, took place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) with a remarkable outcome. Despite the match being shorter than ideal, with only two days of play, the English cricket team emerged victorious, much to the delight of their fans. As the final hours of Saturday’s play came to a close, day three tickets were still available for purchase, ranging from $88 to $187, while day four tickets were no longer for sale. This unexpected turn of events left some fans disappointed, while others were ecstatic about the result.
English Fan Reaction
English teen Tommy Lamb, who travelled over four months to attend the match, was overjoyed by the win. Speaking from a pub on Saturday evening, Lamb said that the victory, despite the shorter length of play, made his mammoth trip down under worth it. Lamb, 18, had passed through 21 countries to make it to the MCG on Boxing Day, and the experience was an absolute dream come true. He expressed his delight at the result, saying that it would have been worthwhile regardless of the outcome, but he was thrilled that the English team showed pride and fight. Lamb planned to celebrate the win with some drinks and would head to Sydney for the New Year’s Test after a couple of days off.
Barmy Army and Tourism Impact
The Barmy Army, a group of English cricket fans, has a significant presence in Melbourne, with up to 40,000 fans expected to join in their activities this week. The group’s general manager, Chris Millard, predicted that Melbourne would be "very affluent" if England won, with bars and restaurants benefiting from the influx of tourists. As many as 3500 England fans have flown to Australia to join the Barmy Army’s official tour, and the city is expected to be bustling with activity. The win is likely to boost the local economy, with fans eager to celebrate and make the most of their time in Melbourne.
Fan Frustration on Social Media
Despite the excitement among English fans, some cricket enthusiasts expressed frustration on social media about the short match. Many took to platforms like X to express their disappointment, with one user writing, "What a crap match. 2 days of play." Another user joked that "The Boxing Day Test could have been an email," highlighting the brevity of the match. Some fans felt that they had been deprived of a good Boxing Day Test, which is typically a highlight of the cricket calendar. The comments reflected a sense of disappointment and frustration among fans who had been looking forward to a longer and more exciting match.
Historic Win for England
The win is England’s first Ashes Test victory in Australia since 2011, marking a significant milestone for the team. The triumph prompted celebrations among English fans, who were thrilled to see their team perform well in Australia. The Barmy Army and other fans were ecstatic about the result, which is a testament to the team’s hard work and determination. As the English team prepares for the next match, they will be buoyed by the support of their fans and the knowledge that they have made history with this win. The victory is a significant boost to English cricket, and fans will be eagerly awaiting the next match to see if the team can continue their winning streak.