Boxing Day Test Memorable Moments #9 – McGrath helps Hussey to century

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.

When number 11 Glenn McGrath entered the crease in the 2005 Boxing Day Test, Michael Hussey was on just 27.

When the last wicket fell two hours later, Hussey was 122 and had scored one of the most thrilling centuries at the home of cricket.

71,910 fans turned up on Boxing Day as Australia decided to bat first.

Debutant Phil Jacques was dismissed early for two before Matthew Hayden and Ricky Ponting continued their fine MCG form with a 152-run partnership.

Ponting reached his century after the tea break but his dismissal triggered a collapse by the Australians, losing 5-32 and limping to stumps at 8-239.

Stuart MacGill was dismissed early on day two bringing McGrath to the crease.

The notorious “bunny”, who was averaging just 7.36 at the time, made an unbeaten 11, but more importantly, faced 56 deliveries as Hussey went on the attack.

Hussey struck 14 boundaries and four sixes as he made 83 from 90 balls with McGrath at the non-strikers end.

The 107-run partnership, which propelled the home side’s total to 355, is the highest tenth-wicket partnership between Australia and South Africa. 

The tourists responded with 311, built around Herschelle Gibbs’ 94.

A century from Matthew Hayden (137) and a blistering Andrew Symonds innings of 72 from 54 balls which included six sixes, set South Africa 366 runs to win the match.

The contest was soon over after Victorian legend Shane Warne ripped through the South African top-order, claiming the wickets of AB De Villiers, Gibbs, Ashwell Prince and Mark Boucher.

McGrath wrapped up the tail as Australia posted a 184-run victory early on the final day.

Watch highlights of Hussey’s innings at http://cricvi.co/123PJDW

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

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

#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