Cricket’s oldest rivalry returns to the Melbourne Cricket Ground with a fresh twist as Cricket Australia announced that the celebration of the 150th anniversary of the first Test match will take place in March 2027. The fixture between Australia and England is scheduled for 11 to 15 March 2027.
The match will be staged as a day/night affair, making it the first men’s Test played under lights at the MCG. To manage what is expected to be global demand, Cricket Australia will run its first-ever ticket ballot for the event. Fans can enter from 23 December 2025 until 6 February 2026, with successful applicants to be notified by 13 February.
Alongside the ticket ballot, Cricket Australia Travel Office (CATO) packages will go on sale from 21 November 2025, catering to both domestic and international visitors.
Cricket Australia Chair Mike Baird said the anniversary Test would unite fans from around the world. “The 150th Anniversary Test will bring the cricket world to Melbourne and we anticipate there will be enormous demand from fans wanting to be part of this historic event. We have introduced a ballot for the first time to ensure everyone has an equal opportunity to be part of what will be a fantastic occasion and we will soon open Cricket Australia Travel Office packages to help fans get to the MCG.”
The announcement recalls the ground’s storied past. The first Test in 1877 was played at the MCG, with Australia defeating England by 45 runs. The Centenary Test in 1977 was held at the same venue and, remarkably, again produced a 45-run victory for Australia. Baird referenced those famous moments, saying: “Those who remember the Centenary Test will recall that brilliant celebration of cricket with unforgettable moments such as David Hookes’ five boundaries off Tony Greig, Rick McCosker coming to the crease with a broken jaw, Derek Randall’s defiant century and Australia’s 45 run victory mirroring the result in the very first Test.”
Victorian Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos said the event would bring major benefits to the state. “Melbourne is the sporting capital of Australia, and we continue to get on the front foot and secure incredible events. The 150th Anniversary Test at the MCG will draw visitors from across the country and around the world – filling our hotels, restaurants and cafes and driving our visitor economy.”
Melbourne Cricket Club CEO Stuart Fox said the event was a fitting way to celebrate the game’s heritage. “We are honoured to have this opportunity to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the first-ever International Test Match at the MCG. This milestone event is a fitting tribute to the rich history of cricket at the ‘G and we’re sure it will be a memorable occasion for everyone who comes through the gates.”
Scheduling the match in mid-March departs from the traditional early-summer timing of major Tests, signalling a desire to maximise attendance and global viewership. With travel packages, a global ballot and a day/night format, Cricket Australia is shaping the 150th Anniversary Test as both a celebration of heritage and a showcase of the game’s modern appeal.
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