World record crowd on Boxing Day

Erasing the mark of 90,800 set against the West Indies at the same venue in 1961, the final figure of 91,092 reaffirmed Melbourne’s reputation as the sporting capital of the world.

The 2015 World Cup Final to be staged at the MCG is likely to threaten the record in just over a year’s time.

“It’s yet further evidence of the sustained drawing power of Test cricket and Melbourne’s undisputed reputation as the capital of Australian sport,” Cricket Australia Chief Executive Officer James Sutherland said.

“Throughout the years, the Boxing Day Test has developed a privileged place in the Australian conscience – it’s become a landmark event.

“We don’t take that for granted.”

With more than 62,000 people in the ‘G prior to Ryan Harris’ first ball of the morning, the crowd swelled to just under 86,000 by lunch.

The turnstiles continued to tick over late in the day as the 42-year old record was eclipsed in the shadows of stumps.