Boxing Day has a special place in the hearts of cricket fans. Apart from the Christmas festivities, it is the cricket action that Boxing Day brings along. Boxing Day Test match is a long-standing tradition popularised by Australian cricket team. Since 1950, Australia have been hosting a Boxing Day Test against the visiting teams at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Mitchell Johnson Takes a Sly Dig at Virat Kohli; Says Indian Captain Obsessed With Australia.

Just like Australia, New Zealand and South Africa make it a point to host a Boxing Day Test match. And almost every year, they play a Test match against the visiting sides. This year, it is going to be no different. Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa will be locked in a Boxing Day. More on that below:

Australia vs India, Boxing Day Test 2018: Australia will host India at the MCG. It is the third and penultimate Test of the four-match series. The series is currently levelled at one each. India won the opening Test at Adelaide by 31 runs and then the home side bounced back in style to win the second match at Perth by 146 runs. Both the teams will be looking to take a lead at Melbourne. The AUS vs IND match starts 5:00 a.m as per IST.

New Zealand vs Sri Lanka, Boxing Day Test 2018: Another contest to take place on Boxing Day 2018 is the second Test between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch. The first Test at Wellington ended in a draw after an unbeaten partnership between Kusal Mendis and Angelo Mathews and rain on day five saved the visitors. It is a two-match series and both the teams will be pressing for a victory to clinch the series. The NZ vs SL match starts 3:30 a.m as per IST.

South Africa vs Pakistan, Boxing Day Test 2018: South Africa hosts Pakistan for a three-match Test series, the first of which takes place on the Boxing Day at the SuperSport Park in Centurion. Hosts South Africa start as favourites and will be looking to take an early lead in the series. The SA vs PAK match starts 1:30 p.m as per IST.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 21, 2018 11:39 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).