The legendary Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) will continue its tradition of hosting Boxing Day Tests, as Cricket Australia (CA) recently announced that the venue has been locked in for the next seven years. In a historic move, the MCG will also be the stage for the 150th anniversary Test between Australia and England in 2027, celebrating one-and-a-half centuries since the inception of Test cricket, which began in 1877 with a match between these two old rivals.
This special 150th anniversary match will be a one-off, harkening back to the roots of Test cricket and paying homage to the sport’s rich history. Cricket Australia has also laid out the venue allocations for men’s internationals running up to the 2030-31 season, confirming several key fixtures that fans across Australia can look forward to.
Alongside the MCG retaining its Boxing Day Test tradition, the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) has also secured its status as the host of New Year’s Tests for another seven years. The SCG has been a staple venue for the New Year’s Tests since the 1989-90 season, making it a beloved tradition among cricket fans.
Adding another layer to the excitement, Adelaide Oval will continue to host the December ‘Christmas Test’ for the next seven years. This period will encompass the next Ashes series, where the Adelaide Oval is expected to feature a traditional red-ball game – a format that purists of the game eagerly anticipate.
Perth’s role in the cricketing calendar is equally significant. For the next three years, the Western Australia (WACA) Ground will kick off the Test season with the “West Test.” This will be a major shift, as the 2025-26 Ashes series will commence at this venue instead of the traditional Gabba, marking the first time in over four decades that Brisbane will not open the Ashes series.
Speaking of Brisbane, the city has been guaranteed a pre-Christmas Test next summer against England, and it will be a day-night Ashes Test, adding another fascinating dimension to the long-standing rivalry between Australia and England.
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Cricket Australia’s CEO, Nick Hockley, expressed their excitement over finalizing these long-term venue commitments, which provide certainty and enhance planning for both the organizers and fans. “We are delighted to confirm long-term hosting rights which provide certainty around the locations of some fantastic cricket over the next seven years,” said Hockley. “We are confident this schedule ensures the best cricket will be played in the best venues at the right times across the country, including a fantastic mix of iconic Test matches, new blockbusters such as the West Test and Christmas Test, and exciting day-night fixtures.”
Hockley emphasized the significance of hosting games across various cities to maximize fan engagement and regional economic impacts. “Ensuring that cities across Australia get the best possible fixtures at the times they want is a challenging task, but we believe this plan delivers a fantastic schedule for cricket fans. We are enormously grateful for the strong support of state and territory governments and venue operators who will help us to deliver brilliant experiences across the country and maximize economic impact from these major events.”
The anticipation for the 150th anniversary Test in March 2027 is particularly palpable. “The 150th anniversary Test match at the MCG in March 2027 will be a wonderful celebration of the pinnacle format of the game at one of the world’s great sporting arenas and we can’t wait to host England on that occasion,” Hockley added.
This celebratory match is expected to be a grand spectacle, drawing fans from around the world to witness a historic moment in cricket’s illustrious timeline. With these new venue announcements, Cricket Australia has set the stage for an exciting future, promising memorable cricketing moments for players and fans alike.
As the governing body continues to balance tradition with innovation, the cricketing landscape in Australia seems poised for a vibrant and thrilling chapter, reinforcing the country’s status as a premier destination for the sport.
