List of teams who beat Australia in Boxing Day Test

So far, four teams have defeated Australia in the Boxing Day Test.

The Boxing Day Test is a long-standing tradition in Australia and one of the most crucial days in the sporting calendar. While Boxing Day is celebrated in many countries, Australia is the only nation that hosts a Test match on this day every year.

It has almost become a tradition that on 26 December, Australia play a Test match against a touring side at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Nearly 100,000 fans attend the opening day of the Boxing Day Test annually, adding to its grandeur and legacy.

It is one of the most-watched sporting events in the country. For touring teams, winning a Boxing Day Test in Australia is a difficult task. A packed MCG passionately backs the home side as the Australian team looks to dominate their opponents.

The tradition began in 1975 and has been held regularly since 1980. However, only a handful of teams in cricket history have managed to overcome Australia and defeat them in the Boxing Day Test. On that note, let’s take a look at the teams who have achieved this rare feat.

1. West Indies – 1996

The West Indies have managed to defeat Australia only once in a Boxing Day Test. During their tour of Australia in 1996-97, despite losing the series 3–2, the West Indies registered a memorable six-wicket victory in the iconic Boxing Day Test at the MCG.

Legendary fast bowler Curtly Ambrose was the standout performer and was deservedly named Player of the Match after a devastating bowling display. He picked up five wickets in the first innings and followed it up with four in the second, completely dismantling the Australian batting lineup.

With this historic win, the West Indies became only the second team at that time to defeat Australia in a Boxing Day Test, etching their name into the rich history of the contest.

2. South Africa – 2008

South Africa toured Australia in the 2008–09 season, and the Graeme Smith-led side completely outplayed the hosts, winning the Test series 2–1. A major highlight of that historic tour was South Africa’s victory in the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Fast bowler Dale Steyn was named Player of the Match for his exceptional all-round performance. Steyn claimed five wickets in each innings, producing a match-defining bowling effort, and also made a crucial contribution with the bat by scoring an important 76 runs in the first innings while batting at number ten.

3. India – 2018 & 2020

India have won the Boxing Day Test match twice. During their 2018 tour of Australia, the Virat Kohli-led side became the first Asian team to win a Test series in Australia. As part of that historic achievement, India also won the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Jasprit Bumrah was named Player of the Match for his outstanding bowling performance, picking up nine wickets across both innings, while Cheteshwar Pujara scored a crucial century in the match.

India repeated this feat in 2020 after losing the Adelaide clash, where they were all out for just 36 runs in the second innings. Under the leadership of Ajinkya Rahane, the team produced one of the greatest comebacks in Test history by winning at the MCG.

Rahane led from the front with a magnificent century and was deservedly awarded Player of the Match. India went on to win the series, ensuring the victory would be remembered for generations.

4. England – 1982, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2025

England have defeated Australia in the Boxing Day Test on a record five occasions. Their first victory came in 1982, when they edged past Australia by a narrow margin of just three runs, with Norman Cowans being named Player of the Match.

They repeated the feat four years later in 1986, registering a dominant win by an innings and 14 runs, and Gladstone Small earned the Player of the Match award for his performance. England’s next Boxing Day triumph came in 1998, when they once again clinched a close victory, this time by 12 runs, with Dean Headley receiving the Player of the Match honour.

In 2010, England achieved one of their greatest victories at the MCG, defeating Australia by an innings and 157 runs, and Jonathan Trott was named Player of the Match for his outstanding contribution. Their most recent victory came in 2025.

Despite already losing the series and trailing 0–3, England managed to salvage pride by winning the Boxing Day match, which was remarkably decided within just two days. Josh Tongue was awarded Player of the Match for his exceptional bowling, claiming figures of 5/45 in the first innings and 2/44 in the second.

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