The 150th anniversary of the first men's Test match between Australia and England will be celebrated with a day-night contest at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Scheduled from 11-15 March 2027, this one-off fixture will be a landmark event in cricket history.

A Historic Venue

The MCG, with a capacity of approximately 100,000, hosted the first Test between these two cricketing giants in March 1877. Australia won that match by 45 runs, but England clinched the second game to tie the series 1-1. The venue also hosted the 100th anniversary Test in 1977, where Australia repeated their 45-run victory.

Modern Evolution of Test Cricket

Cricket Australia's chief executive, Todd Greenberg, emphasized the significance of the event, stating, "Playing under lights will be a fantastic way to celebrate both our game's rich heritage and Test cricket's modern evolution." He added that the day-night format would ensure more fans could attend and watch this historic occasion.

Australia's Dominance in Day-Night Tests

Australia has a formidable record in home day-night Tests, winning 12 out of 13 matches played under lights. This match will be the latest in the season a Test has been played in Australia since the 1978-79 series against Pakistan. It will be a standalone match, not part of an Ashes series or the World Test Championship.

Upcoming Ashes Series

England's men will attempt to regain the Ashes later this year when they tour Australia for a five-match series, starting in Perth on 21 November. Australia is next set to tour England in 2027, adding another chapter to this storied rivalry.

Women's Ashes

In February, England's women faced a heavy defeat in a day-night Test at the MCG as part of the Women's Ashes, highlighting the challenges of playing under lights at this iconic venue.

This 150th anniversary Test promises to be a celebration of cricket's rich history and its exciting future, bringing together fans from around the world to witness a truly historic event.