As the world of cricket prepares to celebrate a major milestone, the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is set to host a highly anticipated Test match between Australia and England in 2027. This Day-Night Test, scheduled to take place from March 11 to 15, 2027, will mark the 150th anniversary of Test cricket, the oldest and most traditional format of the game. Cricket Australia has confirmed the details of this special event, which promises to be an exciting encounter between two of the sport’s most historic teams.
With a rich history of producing thrilling matches, the MCG has been the venue of choice for many memorable encounters between Australia and England. In fact, it was at this very ground that the first-ever Test match was played in 1877, with Australia emerging victorious by 45 runs under the captaincy of Dave Gregory. The hero of that match was opening batsman Charles Bannerman, who scored a remarkable 165 runs to set the tone for Australia’s inaugural Test win. Interestingly, when Test cricket celebrated its 100th anniversary in 1977, the MCG again played host to a Test match between Australia and England, with the home team winning by the same margin of 45 runs, this time under the leadership of Greg Chappell.
According to Todd Greenberg, Chief Executive of Cricket Australia, the 150th anniversary of Test cricket will be commemorated with a spectacular match at the MCG, featuring floodlights to illuminate the game. This celebration will not only pay tribute to the rich heritage of the sport but also acknowledge the modern developments that have shaped Test cricket into what it is today. By staging the match under lights, the organizers aim to attract a larger audience, ensuring that this landmark occasion is shared with as many fans as possible.
For Australia, 2025 is shaping up to be a crucial year, with the team eager to host the 2025-26 Ashes series against England. The Australians will be looking to assert their dominance on home soil, and the series is expected to be closely contested. Before that, however, the team will face a tough challenge in the World Test Championship (WTC) final, scheduled to take place at Lord’s in June 2025, where they will take on South Africa. Australia will be seeking to claim their second WTC title, and the team is likely to be fired up for this prestigious event. With these exciting matches on the horizon, cricket fans around the world can look forward to a thrilling year of Test cricket, culminating in the 150th anniversary celebrations at the MCG in 2027.
