MCG locked in to host Australia-England one-off Test to celebrate format’s 150th anniversary in March 2027

The iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) will host the one-off Test between the game’s oldest rivals, Australia and England, in March 2027 to celebrate this format’s 150th anniversary, Cricket Australia announced in a statement on Sunday (August 18).

MCG and Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) are locked in to host the Boxing Day and New Year’s Test, respectively, till 2031, while Adelaide Oval will host the pre-Christmas Test in either day and night or day format for the next seven years.

A standalone celebratory match at MCG will honour the inaugural Test played at this venue from March 15-19 in 1877.

"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,” Cricket Australia (CA) CEO Nick Hockley said.

Meanwhile, this one-off match will replicate the Centenary Test held in 1977 (from 12-17 March) to mark 100 years of Test cricket, which Australia won by 45 runs. Veterans Rod Marsh and Derek Randall hit hundreds, while Dennis Lillee picked 11 wickets in that match.

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Besides, in conjunction with respective state and territory governments, CA finalised the venues for home fixtures till 2031.

The newly-built Optus Stadium in Perth will play the kick-off of the home fixtures for the next three seasons.

"We are delighted to confirm long-term hosting rights, which provide certainty around the locations of some fantastic cricket over the next seven years.”

"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 continued.

Gabba loses spot

This decision means the iconic Gabba in Brisbane, which hosted the season’s curtain-raiser for over four decades, will not host the opener from now. While Perth will host the 2025-26 men’s Ashes first Test, Gabba is guaranteed a pre-Christmas day-night Ashes Test besides being scheduled to host a Test match against India later this summer.

Given Brisbane will host the 2032 Summer Olympics, the Gabba will be redeveloped, meaning it will not host a Test match for a considerable period after the next men’s Ashes Test there.

"In Brisbane, it is harder [to plan] because of the infrastructure," Baird, CA chairman said.

"There is just uncertainty, so we're not sure of the long-term solution. What we do know is the Gabba has a use for life that ends in 2030. We need a solution and are working with the AFL as well on a long-term solution.

"We want a great venue in Brisbane that can support Queensland Cricket and Australian cricket for years to come,” he continued.

(With inputs from agencies)