24 Dec 2019

Pressure on for Boxing Day cricket test in Melbourne

From Morning Report, 7:54 am on 24 December 2019

A 32-year wait comes to an end on Thursday when the Boxing Day Test Match between the Black Caps and Australia begins in Melbourne.

Played at the famous Melbourne Cricket Ground, or MCG, the match is one of the most anticipated on the sport's annual calendar.

New Zealand, though, hasn't featured in the Test since 1987, when Australia controversially held on for a draw with one wicket in hand, clinching a 1-nil series win.

After a resounding defeat in the first Test played in Perth, the Black Caps must win the Boxing Day match to keep their hopes of winning the three-Test series alive.

Senior batsman Ross Taylor told Clay Wilson the team is relaxed and looking forward to the historic occasion.