In a landmark announcement, Cricket Australia has confirmed that the 150th anniversary of the first men's Test match between Australia and England will be celebrated with a day-night contest at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Scheduled from 11-15 March 2027, this standalone fixture will be the latest Test played in an Australian season since the 1978-79 series against Pakistan. The match, not part of the Ashes series or the World Test Championship, promises to be a grand spectacle.
The MCG, with its storied past and a capacity of approximately 100,000, is a fitting venue for this historic event. The ground famously hosted the inaugural Test between the two cricketing giants in March 1877, where Australia claimed victory by 45 runs. The centenary of this event was similarly marked in 1977 with another Test at the MCG, which Australia also won by the same margin.
Australia's formidable record in home Tests played under lights adds an exciting dimension to the upcoming match. They have won 12 out of 13 day-night Tests held on home soil, showcasing their dominance in this format. Cricket Australia Chief Executive Todd Greenberg emphasized the significance of this event, stating:
"Playing under lights will be a fantastic way to celebrate both our game's rich heritage and Test cricket's modern evolution."
While the upcoming anniversary match stands alone, England's men are gearing up for a five-match Ashes series later this year, beginning in Perth on 21 November. This follows England's women's team facing a heavy defeat in a day-night Test at the MCG during the Women's Ashes in February.
This celebration of cricket's rich history underscores the enduring rivalry and camaraderie between Australia and England. The MCG has been central to this narrative, having witnessed a tied series in 1877 when England won the second match at the venue to balance Australia's initial triumph.
Leave a Reply