Cricket fans take a bow. Cricket Victoria salutes you for your contribution to what has emerged as one of the most successful Test Matches ever staged in Melbourne.

Approximately 178,000 people went through the turnstiles, nearly 1000 attended Cricket Victoria's Boxing Day Breakfast, while corporate hospitality sales reached near-record levels.

Chief Executive Officer of Cricket Victoria, Mr Ken Jacobs said the result was a tremendous one for Victorian cricket. "Its been a very successful five days of Test Match cricket, with the attendance figures reinforcing the position the Boxing Day Test holds amongst the top of Australia's sporting events.

Jacobs said the events accompanying the Test Match added to whole spectacle. "Cricket Victoria hosted a magnificent Volunteers Breakfast Awards function on the morning of the third day's play at which ICC CEO Malcolm Speed was guest speaker, while the on-field entertainment showcased our junior development programs as well as some of our former Test legends. Victoria's successful Under 19 side was lauded at the lunch break on day three and of course everyone enjoyed the contribution of the Barmy Army throughout the match".

Jacobs added, "I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to all the cricket fans who attended the match. In particular I'd like to congratulate the Victorian fans who year in year out, turn up in their tens of thousands and contribute to make the Boxing Day Test the spectacle it is. Its economic value to the City of Melbourne cannot be underestimated and we are extremely proud of the contribution this match makes to Melbourne on an annual basis".

© 2002 Cricket Victoria

This report does not necessarily represent the views of the Australian Cricket Board.