In a landmark announcement, the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) has been designated as the venue for the historic 150th anniversary Test between Australia and England, set to take place in 2027. The iconic cricket ground will retain its prestigious role of hosting the Boxing Day Tests for the next seven years, according to Cricket Australia’s latest venue allocation reveal that extends up to the 2030-31 season.
The 150th anniversary Test will commemorate 150 years of Test cricket since the inaugural match between Australia and England in 1877. This one-off Test match is expected to be more than just a game, representing a monumental celebration of the sport’s rich history and tradition.
Cricket Australia has unveiled a series of long-term venue arrangements, ensuring some of the most cherished traditions in cricket continue unabated. The Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) will also retain its role in hosting the New Year’s Tests through the 2029-30 season. The SCG has been the cherished venue for these matches since 1989-90, making it an integral part of the cricketing calendar for fans and players alike.
The release of the new schedule also includes the Adelaide Oval, which will continue hosting the December ‘Christmas Test’ for the next seven years. This decision ties into the larger plan for the next Ashes series, wherein the match will likely be played as a traditional red-ball Test, preserving the classic nature of the rivalry.
Perth’s Optus Stadium will be initiating the Test season for the next three years, marking a notable shift in the season’s commencement program. This change repositions the start of the 2025-26 Ashes series to a venue other than the traditional Gabba, breaking a tradition that has held for over four decades.
In addition, Brisbane’s Gabba has been slated to host a pre-Christmas day-night Ashes Test next summer against England.
. The matches between Australia and India will also be featured prominently in Brisbane, ensuring a comprehensive and diverse Test schedule across multiple venues.
“We are delighted to confirm long-term hosting rights which provide certainty around the locations of some fantastic cricket over the next seven years,” stated Cricket Australia (CA) CEO Nick 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 also emphasized the collaborative effort that went into planning the schedule, recognizing the support of state and territory governments and venue operators. “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,” he continued. “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.”
Arguably, the centerpiece of Cricket Australia’s announcement is the 150th anniversary Test match at the MCG. Set for March 2027, this event aims to be a spectacular celebration of Test cricket, a format that holds a distinct place in the hearts of players and fans alike. “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 comprehensive scheduling, enveloping a mix of traditional and innovative fixtures, underscores Cricket Australia’s commitment to maintaining the historical essence while embracing new formats and prime venues. The blend of storied grounds such as the MCG and SCG, along with emerging modern cricketing theaters like Optus Stadium, ensures a broad-based appeal and accessibility for cricket fans across the nation.
The announcement not only highlights a robust calendar of domestic and international cricketing events but also projects the future landscape of Australian cricket, marrying tradition with evolution in an era where both nostalgia and innovation are key to keeping the sport vibrant and engaging.
