MCG crowd breaks test attendance world record

Surpasses the 1961 record, set also at Melbourne, on Day 2 of the fifth test of the West Indies’ tour of Australia.

In this December 21, 2006 file photo that gives a view of the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Australian player Shane Warne poses for the media after announcing his retirement from international cricket during a press conference at the famed ground. The MCG crowd set a world record on Thursday with an attendance of 90,831 on the first day of the fourth Ashes test between Australia and England.

A world record crowd of 90,831 has attended day one of the fourth Ashes test between Australia and England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, according to Cricket Australia.

The Thursday crowd surpassed the 90,800, also at the MCG, set on the second day of the fifth test of the West Indies’ tour of Australia in 1961.

Despite Australia already clinching the Ashes 3-0 after the third test at Perth last week, Australian fans have been eager to witness the resurgence of their national team after a 3—0 Ashes defeat in England earlier this year.

“Throughout the years, the Boxing Day test has developed a privileged place in the Australian conscience; it’s become a landmark event,” said Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland. “We thank and congratulate the cricket loving public of Melbourne and the Melbourne Cricket Club for creating something special.”

The MCG has a maximum capacity of 100,000, according to its website, and has attracted bigger crowds for football and Australian Rules football matches.