The Boxing Day Test is akin to an annual celebration at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, and it was no different this year as fans thronged the stadium amid Omicron fears.
The mood was festive in the stands as Australia captain Pat Cummins gave the crowd a lot to cheer about by making three early strikes, to give the hosts an upper hand on Day 1 of the 3rd Ashes Test.
Here are glimpses of fans adding some Christmas cheer and just having a good time at the MCG on Sunday...
IMAGE: A fan dressed in a PPE kit holds up a placard.
Photograph: Mackenzie Sweetnam/Getty Images
IMAGE: Jesus spotted at the stadium :).
Photograph: Mackenzie Sweetnam/Getty Images
IMAGE: Young fans are all smiles.
Photograph: Mackenzie Sweetnam/Getty Images
IMAGE: Fans having a blast at the MCG!
Photograph: Mackenzie Sweetnam/Getty Images
IMAGE: Australian cricketers give the fans reasons to smile on Day 1.
Photograph: Mackenzie Sweetnam/Getty Images
IMAGE: An England spectator can barely force a smile as Joe Root and his men put on a disappointing show.
Photograph: Mackenzie Sweetnam/Getty Images
IMAGE: Fans ecstatic at the fall of an England wicket.
Photograph: Mackenzie Sweetnam/Getty Images
IMAGE: There were some fans who followed COVID-19 protocols.
Photograph: Mackenzie Sweetnam/Getty Images
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