Test cricket’s fiercest rivals, Australia and England, are set to commemorate a monumental milestone in the sport’s history. In 2027, the two teams will face off in a special one-off day-night Test match at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) to mark the 150th anniversary of the first-ever Test match played between them.
Cricket Australia confirmed on Tuesday that the pink-ball fixture will take place from March 11 to March 15, 2027. This match will be historic for multiple reasons, notably as the first-ever day-night Test played by Australia’s men’s team at the MCG.
The significance of this clash goes beyond just being an anniversary celebration. The rivalry between Australia and England has defined Test cricket for more than a century, with legendary moments etched in the history books. Earlier in 2024, Australia’s women’s team also participated in a historic day-night Test at the MCG, coincidentally against England, during the Women’s Ashes.
This upcoming match will also mirror another key moment in cricket history. Back in 1977, the same venue hosted the Centenary Test, marking 100 years since the first-ever Test match. On that occasion, Australia and England played an unforgettable match, with Australia securing a thrilling 45-run victory. Additionally, a second Centenary Test took place at Lord’s in 1980, commemorating the first Test played between the two nations in England in 1880.
Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg expressed his excitement for this historic contest, stating, “The 150th Anniversary Test at the MCG will be a landmark event. Playing under lights will not only honor the game’s rich tradition but also highlight how Test cricket has evolved over time.”
Greenberg also emphasized the accessibility benefits of a pink-ball Test, ensuring more fans can attend and witness history in the making. Reflecting on past anniversary matches, he recalled legendary moments from the Centenary Test, including David Hookes smashing five consecutive boundaries off Tony Greig, Rick McCosker batting with a broken jaw, and Derek Randall’s remarkable century.
With Australia and England poised for yet another historic showdown, cricket fans worldwide will be eagerly anticipating a match that promises to deliver unforgettable memories and further enrich the legacy of Test cricket.