In Ross Taylor, set to pass Stephen Fleming as New Zealand's leading Test run-scorer, yet one of the more under-rated batsmen of the past decade, and Williamson, as meticulous as a heart surgeon, the tourists boast two match-winners. And don't forget BJ Watling, the best wicket-keeper-batsman in the world.

"It's probably going to be one of the biggest games of most guys' lives, playing in a Boxing Day Test. Not only are the team and fans looking forward to it, but also a lot of New Zealanders are coming over and, obviously, making it a festive type of event," Taylor said.

This time last year, Australian cricket was in crisis. The run-scoring potency of David Warner and Steve Smith, each banished because of the sandpaper scandal, was missed.

Fellow bad boy Cameron Bancroft gave a television interview that aired during play on day one of the Test that all but blamed Warner for the events of South Africa.

The clash against India was quickly overshadowed. How things change. Warner and Smith are back in the fold and have already helped the side to a series victory in the summer entree against Pakistan.

Victory at the MCG would strengthen the team's hold on the second spot on the 2019-21 Test cricket championship table, with a play-off to be held in mid-2021, most likely against India.

Smith has a grand record at the MCG, with four Test centuries. Warner crunched a century against England in his last Test here.

Fast bowler James Pattinson will be particularly proud, for the Victorian will appear in his first home Test in four years.

Expectations are also high for a sporting pitch, one that provides an even balance for batsmen and bowlers.

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The surface was rated poor for the 2017-18 Ashes Test and an average last year, officials particularly frustrated by the lack of pace on Boxing Day.

There has been work done beneath the centre wicket to help the drop-in pitch enjoy greater life, with even curating guru Les Burdett called in to provide assistance – and buoy spirits.

"You are going to find that the pitch is going to stay greener and the ball is going to come on to the bat better," Burdett said.

That can only be a good thing for those on hand – more than 70,000 are expected – and the millions tuning in at home.

Whether you are a supporter or not, for many, taking in even a splash of cricket on Boxing Day is as much a ritual as nibbling on Christmas leftovers. Just as expectations for a hearty Christmas meal are always high, so too are the hopes of the cricketing world ahead of the coin toss on Thursday.