Boxing Day Test sees English fans take over iconic Bay 13
In a surprising move, the Melbourne Cricket Ground has allocated its notoriously rowdy Bay 13 section to England’s Barmy Army for the upcoming Boxing Day Ashes Test, sparking discontent among Australian cricket supporters, reports BritPanorama.
Bay 13, a storied part of the 100,000-seat stadium, is known for its vibrant atmosphere, where the crowd’s chants and antics have become a staple of Australian summer cricket. Thousands of English fans are expected to occupy the bay, creating a notable shift in the traditional crowd dynamic.
Former Australian wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist expressed his surprise at the decision, describing it as “un-Australian.” He acknowledged the potential for a lively environment, stating, “Good on them [the Barmy Army] for getting in early enough to book it, I guess.” However, he also indicated that local fans might feel sidelined from what he termed a “historic precinct of the ground.”
The Barmy Army is famed for its exuberance and playful behavior, and Bay 13 has hosted some of the most memorable crowd moments in cricket history. Former seamer Damien Fleming chimed in with tongue-in-cheek outrage, joking, “He’d be turning in his grave and isn’t even dead,” referring to famed cricketer Merv Hughes, urging Australian fans to don costumes of the cult hero in retaliation.
The Ashes series, commencing on Friday in Perth, is expected to draw roughly 40,000 English supporters to Australia. On the eve of the match, England has named a 12-man squad that includes fast bowler Mark Wood, who has recovered from a hamstring injury. Spinner Shoaib Bashir is also included, while a definitive lineup is yet to be confirmed.
Australia’s selectors have opted for experience, recalling seasoned players such as Usman Khawaja, Mitchell Starc, and Nathan Lyon, with Marnus Labuschagne also making a return after being omitted from the recent tour of the West Indies. The home side will miss injured captain Pat Cummins and fellow paceman Josh Hazlewood, leaving Steve Smith to lead the team.
As the rivalry heats up on the field, the atmosphere in the stands promises to be just as competitive. Bay 13, once synonymous with Australian mischief, will soon resonate with English celebrations—unless local fans rise to reclaim their domain. The Barmy Army may have secured the seats, but the real battle for the spirit of the crowd is only just beginning.
