Australia And England Set For Historic 150th Test Cricket Anniversary Match At MCG In 2027

Australia and England will face off in a special Test match to mark the 150th anniversary of Test cricket, first played in March 1877, Cricket Australia (CA) announced on Sunday, August 18.

The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) will host this Sesquicentenary Test. The same venue hosted the 100th anniversary match from March 12 to March 17, 1977.

All living male cricketers who have played in an Ashes match for either Australia or England are invited. Australia won the Centenary Test in 1977 by 45 runs, mirroring their victory in the first-ever Test match.

"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 said.

Cricket Australia has also finalised hosting rights for various men's international matches over the next seven summers, from 2024-25 to 2030-31. These include Tests, ODIs, T20Is, and other matches.

The arrangements ensure greater access for fans and communities while expanding cricket events nationwide through strategic partnerships with state governments.

Key Venues and Traditions

The iconic Boxing Day Test will remain at the MCG, maintaining tradition. The Sydney Cricket Ground will continue to host the New Year's match. Adelaide Oval is set to host a 'Christmas Test' every December starting from the 2025/26 season, featuring both Day-Night and Day Tests.

Perth will host the first men's Test of each summer until the end of the 2026-27 season.

Support from State Governments

"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 added.

(With Input from PTI)