A huge crowd but not a record-breaking one

88,172 spectators were in attendance on the opening day. © Getty

Moment of Madness

Tom Curran, the England debutant, seemingly claimed a memorable first Test wicket by dismissing David Warner on 99. Backing captain Joe Root's plans of stifling Warner's freewheeling game by packing the off-side, Curran dug in a short ball that tucked up the left-hander. Warner attempted to help the ball around the corner but badly miscued straight to Stuart Broad at mid-on.

A despairing Warner punched his bat and the stunned near capacity crowd became eerily quiet - bar the jubilant Barmy Army. The England players joyously celebrated around Curran, who was basking in a memorable maiden Test wicket.

However, Curran's ecstasy turned to anguish when the big screen showed he had overstepped as the locals roared in delight. One ball later, Warner made good use of his reprieve by scoring the necessary single needed to trigger his trademark exuberant celebration - leaping seemingly higher than usual knowing he had survived a lucky escape.

Even on a lifeless pitch, trademark drama ensued at the MCG on Boxing Day.

Anderson's Ashes Milestone

James Anderson's Ashes struggles, particularly in Australia, have been well documented. Armed with a less desired Kookaburra ball, England's veteran seamer has generally been unable to conjure the same pronounced movement as he consistently produces in the UK.

However, amid a nightmare series for the tourists, Anderson has stood tall and tried valiantly to lift England's flagging spirit. The 35-year-old has constantly been at his provocative best and also backed up the verbals with 12 wickets at 26 from the opening three Tests.

On a flat MCG pitch, Anderson struggled in the first session as he bowled too short against Warner's imperious blade. However, Anderson gamely fought back after lunch to help England claw their way back into the contest against the odds.

After the frustration of seeing Warner reprieved, Anderson ensured Curran's blunder wasn't too costly as he picked up the Australian vice-captain to revive England's hopes. It was his 100th Test wicket against Australia from 30 Tests at an average of 35. Perhaps those figures are slightly underwhelming but, undoubtedly, deserves respect for it underlines Anderson's longevity and persistence.

It was also his 519th career wicket, equalling legendary West Indian quick Courtney Walsh for fifth on the all-time wicket-taking list.

Legends in the Commentary Booth

Bill Lawry is one of the most beloved figures in Australian cricket. For so many years, his enthusiastic and entertaining commentary on Channel Nine was at the heartbeat of the Australian summer. His effervescent style was a pioneer and he spawned many imitators but none could match Lawry's affectionate tones and unforgettable catch-cries, which have become part of the cricket lexicon.

In recent years, the 80-year-old has cut back his schedule in a changing of the guard for the Channel Nine commentary team, which lost Lawry's long-time side-kicks Richie Benaud and Tony Greig in recent times.

However, Lawry still makes an appearance at his hometown Melbourne Test every year. As per tradition, Lawry took the reins of the commentary to start the Boxing Day Test and his energy was immediately evident. It was hard not to smile at his genuine affection for the contest as he stole the show in the commentary booth.

Lawry wasn't the only notable appearance on the Channel Nine commentary with Australian actor Hugh Jackman providing some Hollywood stardom to the airwaves. During a stint on commentary, Jackman recounted his love for Australian cricket, particularly his childhood idol Doug Walters.

Jackman peppered former Australian captain Michael Clarke with cricket-related questions to showcase his intimate knowledge of the sport.

Huge Crowd

The MCG Test is the crown jewel of the Australian cricket summer and, accordingly, Boxing Day is the most momentous occasion on the calendar. Even though the Test was a dead rubber, a record-breaking crowd was tipped for Boxing Day but fell short with 88,172 spectators in attendance - around 3000 less than the record single day Test crowd from the Boxing Day Ashes Test four years ago.

Even though there was such a mass of spectators, cricket's coliseum had notable patches of empty seats with patrons enjoying the numerous bars and eateries dotting the MCG's innards. Amid an attritional second session, the crowd launched into a Mexican Wave in bid to spice up proceedings.

In a nod to the festive season, there were spectators dressed as Santa, elves and even Christmas trees as the hearty atmosphere continued throughout the day