By Justin Langer Australia Test batsman

Boxing Day has been my favourite day on the calendar since I was a young boy.

When you first see the crowd you realise this Test is bigger than most you will ever be a part of

Back then, the morning after the second best day of the year always meant a day in front of the television marvelling at the joy and spectacle of a Test at the breathtaking Melbourne Cricket Ground.

On Boxing Day 1981 Dennis Lillee bowled the great Sir Vivian Richards on the last ball of the day.

It was at that very moment, as an 11-year-old, that a seed was planted in my heart: maybe one day I could be one of the XI representing Australia.

Fortunately this dream became a reality and for the last eight years I have been fortunate to walk out onto the hallowed MCG turf wearing my baggy green cap or green Australian helmet.

Unfortunately this year I won't be playing because of an injured hamstring, but I will still be there in spirit enjoying the contest between Australia and South Africa in front of an adoring and vocal crowd.

In the last few days the boys will have been preparing as hard for this Test as they would for any and, with the series still even, the pressure will be on to get the preparations spot on.

In a way, training for this Test is often harder than others because while everyone else is in festive spirits, the guys know they are in Melbourne for business rather than a holiday.

There are plenty of distractions around this period so a disciplined and focused mind is imperative.

The moment Phil and Matty Hayden walk out will be the one I rue the most as I wait for my hamstring to heal

Christmas Day incorporates a light practice session in the morning followed by a grand lunch with the team.

In years past, the tradition was for training to follow lunch, but these days the team trains in the morning so they can relax and enjoy the afternoon with their families.

Christmas lunch is always a great time for the families and we will all miss this time with the team.

Early in my career, Christmas night was always a frantic affair as the prospect of being a part of the event usually incited far too many thoughts for a restful sleep.

With a couple of this year's team playing their first Boxing Day Test, and Phil Jacques making his debut, this may also be the case for a few Aussie cricketers this time too.

On Boxing Day morning I will definitely miss the drive to the ground and the nerves as we draw closer to the colossal MCG.

Debutant Phil Jaques can expect a sleepless Christmas night

There is always a huge crowd of people queuing up to get the best seats.

And it is right at that time when you first see the crowd that you realise this Test is bigger than most you will ever be a part of.

I think the thing I will miss the most is walking over the line to the sound of blaring music and screaming fans.

While the heart is always pumping harder the usual, the atmosphere tends to lift you up and carry you out into the middle of the ground for the first ball.

The day I retire from the game this feeling is the one I will miss the most and I am sure the moment Phil and Matty Hayden walk out will be the one I rue the most as I wait for my hamstring to heal.

This particular Boxing Day Test promises to be a ripper.

Both teams took varying degrees of confidence from the first Test and will both understand the need to get off to a strong start.

It is always hard watching from a distance when you know you would love to be out in the action.

But from a cricket point of view I am excited about watching two good sides going hard at it on the best day of the calendar year.