Australia vs. England: 150th Anniversary Test Match at MCG in 2027

Australia and England to Play 150th Anniversary Test at MCG in 2027

In March 2027, Australia and England will celebrate the 150th anniversary of the first-ever men’s Test match with a special day-night match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). The match will take place from March 11-15, 2027, marking an important moment in cricket history.

A Historic Rivalry

The first Test between Australia and England was held at the MCG in 1877. Australia won the match by 45 runs. The second Test, also at the MCG, ended in a draw, and the series was tied 1-1. The 100th anniversary of this historic match was celebrated in 1977, again with a Test at the MCG. Australia won by 45 runs once more, continuing the tradition.

Day-Night Test Format

To mark this 150th anniversary, the match will be played under lights in a day-night format. Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg said this format would celebrate both the rich history and the modern development of Test cricket. It also makes the match more accessible, allowing more fans to attend.

The MCG, with a capacity of 100,000, will host this milestone event. The pink ball and the day-night format will add excitement, with conditions changing throughout the day.

Importance of the 150th Anniversary

This anniversary Test will be a standalone match, not part of the Ashes series or the World Test Championship. It will be the latest Test ever played in Australia, with the last such match occurring in the 1978-79 series against Pakistan.

Australia’s Record in Day-Night Tests

Australia has been dominant in day-night Tests at home, winning 12 of the 13 matches played. This impressive record adds to the anticipation for this special event.

Key Details:

•   Match: 150th Anniversary Test between Australia and England
•   Dates: March 11-15, 2027
•   Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)
•   Format: Day-night Test with pink balls
•   Historical Significance: The first Test match between the two teams was played at the MCG in 1877.
•   Australia’s Record: Australia has won 12 out of 13 day-night Tests at home.