Boxing Day Test Memorable Moments #8 – Brett Lee’s fiery debut

In the lead in to the 2012 Boxing Day Test, Cricket Victoria is counting down the 20 most memorable moments from the MCG.

Named one of the seven wonders of the sporting world in 2009, the ‘G plays hosts to Victoria’s international schedule each year and the Boxing Day Test is the jewel in the international calendar.

For further information on this year’s international fixtures at the ‘G, click here.

Brett Lee burst onto the international scene with a five-wicket haul in his Australian debut in the 1999 Boxing Day Test.

The speedster knocked over opener Sadagoppan Ramesh with just his fourth ball then removed “The Wall” Rahul Dravid shortly after.

Bowling regularly over 150km/h, Lee tore through the Indian lower order, taking three wickets in an over to complete a memorable haul. 

After Australia had batted across seven rain-affected sessions in compiling 405 in their first dig, with Michael Slater top-scoring with 91 and Lee contributing with 27, India finally made it to the crease just before lunch on day three, in front of a crowd of 23,127.

Lee went head-to-head with Sachin Tendulkar who posted a chanceless 116 (read more about Tendulkar’s innings at http://cricvi.co/QoLCPe)

Lee’s five-wicket haul restricted the Indians to 238 before the Australians set up about setting a total, promoting Adam Gilchrist (55) to number four in the batting order.

Half-centuries to Gilchrist and Mark Waugh helped the home side to 5-208 before Steve Waugh declared.

Chasing 376 for victory in the second innings, Tendulkar, who was named man-of-the-match, again top-scored with a half-century (52) with Lee (2-31) picking up Dravid for the second time in the match as Australia went on to record a 180-run victory.

Lee finished with match figures of 7-78, the best by a debutant in Boxing Day Tests.

Watch highlights of Brett Lee’s debut at http://cricvi.co/TSRDo0

Will you be there at the 2012 Boxing Day Test to see this year’s moment?

Book your tickets at http://cricvi.co/QdOzBY

#9 – McGrath helps Hussey to century http://cricvi.co/UAHkCP
#10 – Lawry and Chappell post record partnership http://cricvi.co/Z8jq6W
#11 – Hughes takes on the West Indies  http://cricvi.co/U86Td9
#12 – Headley’s heroics http://cricvi.co/UhUH8m
#13 – Reid destroys England http://cricvi.co/SBxEbg
#14 – Warne’s arrival http://cricvi.co/11N5Gyj
#15 – Ponting at his finest http://cricvi.co/11uTQbK
#16 – Yallop’s marathon http://cricvi.co/VeU14C
#17 – South Africa’s finest win http://cricvi.co/TweTVo
#18 – Dodemaide’s debut http://cricvi.co/V7XvrR
#19 – Tendulkar masterclass http://cricvi.co/QoLCPe
#20 – Pattinson and Siddle lead the attack http://cricvi.co/V9SUc9