MCG to host one-off Test between Australia and England to celebrate 150 years of Test cricket

Australia is set to host a one-off Test in 2027 against England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) to celebrate 150 years of Test Cricket.

“The 150th anniversary Test match at the MCG in March 2027 will be a wonderful celebration of the pinnacle format of the game at one of the world’s great sporting arenas and we can’t wait to host England on that occasion,” CA CEO Nick Hockley was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au.

Noticeably the inaugural Test match was played between England and Australia in March of 1877 following the centenary Test 1977.

Additionally, Cricket Australia has also released their upcoming fixtures. “We are delighted to confirm long-term hosting rights which provide certainty around the locations of some fantastic cricket over the next seven years,” Hockley said.

Adelaide Oval is set to host the ‘Christmas Test’ every December starting from the 2025/26 season, featuring a mix of Day-Night and Day Tests. Perth has been handed the hosting rights of the first men’s Test of the summer until the 2026-27 season.

“We are confident this schedule ensures the best cricket will be played in the best venues at the right times across the country, including a fantastic mix of iconic Test matches, new blockbusters such as the West Test and Christmas Test and exciting day-night fixtures.

The arrangements had also put to rest speculations about shifting the annual Boxing Day Test from the MCG, which is a tradition, while the Sydney Cricket Ground will continue to host the New Year’s match.

“Ensuring that cities across Australia get the best possible fixtures at the times they want is a challenging task but we believe this plan delivers a fantastic schedule for cricket fans,” he added.

“We are enormously grateful for the strong support of state and territory governments and venue operators who will help us to deliver brilliant experiences across the country and maximise economic impact from these major events,” Hockley further said.

(With agency inputs)

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