Indian fans watch their team train at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
© AFP
Melbourne: The roar of a Boxing Day Test crowd will be momentarily hushed Friday in a mark of respect and to remember the 10th anniversary of the devastating 2004 tsunami.
About 65,000 Australian fans are expected at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) as Australia attempt to seal the series against India. A raucous Indian contingent however, will be barracking for an upset, reported heraldsun.co.au.
India haven’t won a Test at the MCG since 1981. The odds are more even when it comes to the weather - there is a 50 percent chance of rain. (In pics: Aussies get set | Indians train hard )
Stadium security has been increased following the Sydney siege tragedy and there will be a stronger police presence in and around the ground, while anti-social behaviour and drunkenness will also be a focus.
Although his dad will take centre stage on Thursday, it was Brad Haddin’s six-year-old son Zac, who stole the show at the Australia's Christmas Day training session, smashing deliveries from Shane Watson before removing his helmet and raising his bat in celebration.
Indian fans will be outnumbered on Friday but should give Australian supporters a run for their money when it comes to passion and noise as Bollywood-style passion comes to Melbourne’s hallowed turf. (MS Dhoni says his team won't tone down verbal spats )
The 2004 tsunami ravaged their country, causing massive destruction and the deaths of 18,000 Indians - and about 230,000 people overall.
Army vehicles will drive on to the arena ahead of the blockbuster, carrying huge bags of thank-you letters sent to Australian families from tsunami survivors who benefited from their aid.
A message from Australia’s injured captain Michael Clarke will be played on the screens encouraging Australians to dig deep for those in need.
“Ten years ago today, the Boxing Day tsunami ravaged 14 countries - including India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Thailand, and Australians dug deep to support our friends and neighbours when they desperately needed our help,” he said.
“The ‘Thanks for Caring Australia’ campaign is an important opportunity to recognise how the Australians respond during times of crisis, and I’m proud to get behind it.”
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