The sad news from New Orleans and New York yesterday was a tragic start to the New Year but today the Sydney Cricket Ground reminds us there is still a happy land that holds hope for better days.
The fifth and final Test is Sydney’s time to shine and again prove the enduring ability of sport to lift hearts. It has been a wonderful Test series so far, breathing new life into the game with record-breaking crowds.
Sam Konstas and Pat Cummins celebrate Australia’s victory in the Men’s Fourth Test Match.Credit: Getty Images
The Boxing Day Test between Australia and India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground entered the history books on the fifth and final day when the all-time attendance record surpassed the previous mark of 350,534 set during the 1936-37 Ashes series when Don Bradman scored 270 in one of the performances of his career.
The current series has been historically popular too and featured drama galore. From Australia’s rout in Perth to the miraculous 10-wicket win in Adelaide, Brisbane’s rain-marred draw and the MCG victory, all were utterly absorbing and contained many instances of drama that highlighted the magic that can be found in the micro-moments within a match.
There has been so much to celebrate this Test series, but the crowds reflect a true evolution: Australia’s Indian community has turned out in such large numbers that cricket is now a celebration of our multiculturalism.
Now Sydney is poised to host a dramatic climax to the series.
The youngest ever Test opening bat, Sam Konstas, plays his first Test on home soil. The 19-year-old cheered the country with his debut on the first morning of the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, when, in the most eye-catching debut into Australia’s order since Phillip Hughes and David Warner, he ramped and reverse-ramped the Indian bowler Jasprit Bumrah and scored 60 from 65 balls. We are full of anticipation for our local hero’s appearance at the SCG wicket and can only wish he carries the weight of sudden fame with the insouciance displayed on the MCG.
The New Year’s Test in Sydney has been highlighted by Jane McGrath Day on day three, when the SCG is a sea of pink and millions of dollars are typically raised for breast cancer support and awareness in Australia. This year marks the 15th Pink Test, but the event has become even more special with the McGrath Foundation expanding its services and providing nurses to patients with any type of cancer.
The great rivalry between Australia and India seems to have always provided sparkling cricket but the SCG has been a particularly happy place for our team. Australia has lost only one of 13 Tests there against India. That was in 1978, and we have been undefeated in 10 meetings since.
Such statistics are often a sports fan talisman and a form of faith. They might also like to pray for the rain to hold off until late Tuesday. Australia just needs a draw to win this series but a win on the SCG is to hold the torch high.
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