Ashes 2021-22: MCG To Host Boxing-Day Test In Packed Stadium

The build-up to the Ashes 2021-22 has already begun. The series begins with the first Test at The Gabba from December 8-12. England almost pulled out from the tour given Australia’s tough rules and regulations due to COVID. But both Australia Cricket Board and the England & Wales Cricket Board have worked it out between themselves and the series is on.

In another welcoming news, COVID restrictions in Melbourne have been lifted. What this also means is that fans will be back in the stadiums. The boxing day Test match, which is the third Test of the series between December 26-30 will be played in front of crowds.

Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews said in a media briefing that there will be no longer any capping on the gatherings in the state effective from 11:59 PM local time on Thursday (November 18). “Whether it’s 100,000 people at the MCG on Boxing Day or a smaller group of people standing up at the … local pub, this is the COVID-normal that every Victorian has built,” he said.

Sport in Australia was hugely affected due to the COVID rules and regulations and now with the restrictions lifted, life seems to be back among the supporters.

Australia have recently won the ICC T20 World Cup 2021. With the next T20 World Cup to be played in the country, the fans are pumped at the moment. An Ashes win over the arch-rivals after a T20 World Cup win would be icing on the cake for the Current T20 World Champions.

Ashes 2021-22 Squads

Australia

Tim Paine (C), Pat Cummins (VC), Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Marcus Harris, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, Jhye Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, David Warner

England

Joe Root (Captain), Ben Stokes, James Anderson, Jonathan Bairstow, Dom Bess, Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Jos Buttler, Zak Crawley, Haseeb Hameed, Dan Lawrence, Jack Leach, Dawid Malan, Craig Overton, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood