Ashes 2025/26: Cricket Australia Faces Big Loss After Boxing Day Test Ends in Two Days
Boxing Day Test at MCG ends in two days, costing Cricket Australia INR 60 crore as Greenberg and Smith raise pitch concerns.
The Boxing Day Test at the MCG ended inside two days after England chased a small 175-run target in the fourth innings. The quick finish has sparked concern, not just about the pitch, but also about the business side of Test cricket.
The fourth Test of the Ashes 2025-26 saw both teams bowled out on day one, setting the tone for a fast-moving match. In total, 36 wickets fell across two days on a pitch that offered plenty to the bowlers from the start.
Because three full days of scheduled play were lost, Cricket Australia is set to lose around INR 60 crore in revenue. The Boxing Day Test is one of the biggest fixtures on the calendar, with strong ticket sales expected across all five days.
CA CEO Todd Greenberg admitted that very short Tests hurt the game financially. He said the board has usually taken a hands-off approach with pitch preparation but may need to rethink that after seeing the commercial impact.
“A simple phrase I’d use is short Tests are bad for business. I can’t be much more blunt than that,” Greenberg said while speaking on SEN Radio.
Australia captain Steven Smith echoed those concerns after the match. He felt the pitch offered a little too much for the bowlers, which made the contest rush through without giving fans enough action.
“The finances aren’t great, and I think it was a sell-out tomorrow,” Smith said. “We saw 36 wickets in two days and that indicates it was a pretty tricky wicket. It probably offered a little too much.”
Smith added that many Tests this series have been played in fast-forward mode, and ending such a marquee match in two days was not ideal for players, fans, or organisers.
Despite the packed crowd at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the early finish meant spectators missed out on three days of cricket, including what was expected to be a sold-out final day.
Attention now shifts to the fifth and final Test, the New Year’s Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground starting January 4. Stakeholders will hope for a pitch that allows the game to last longer and gives fans full value for their tickets.
