It has come as good news for the Australian and Ashes fans as the Victorian government is thinking of getting as many as 80,000 people for the Boxing Day Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground. The Test, which is scheduled to begin from December 26 will have all the people vaccinated in the stands as the government is targeting to complete 90% vaccination for all people above the age of 12 years by November 24.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews in a press interaction said the goal was to have 80,000 at the MCG on Boxing Day.
"I want to see 80,000 plus people at the Boxing Day Test on day one, that's what I want to see. We are determined to deliver that. It won't be easy. I think selling the tickets will be pretty easy,” ESPNCricinfo quoted Andrews as saying.
Since the start of the pandemic in December 2019, Melbourne has spent more days in lockdown than any other city in the world as a result, the last year’s L Boxing Day Test against India with only 30,000 allowed to attend.
However, in April this year, a crowd of 78,113 was allowed into the MCG for an Australian Football League match and more recently crowds are being allowed for horse races giving an indication that by the time Ashes starts, there would definitely be enough confidence to bring in a full house at the MCG.