Cricket Australia has confirmed that the one-off Test between Australia and England at the MCG in March 2027 will be played as a day-night pink-ball match to commemorate the 150th anniversary of men’s Test cricket.
Scheduled from March 11-15, 2027, this will mark the first-ever day-night men’s Test at the MCG. The venue recently hosted a women’s Ashes day-night Test, further highlighting the growing trend of pink-ball cricket.
The inaugural Test match in 1877 and the centenary Test in 1977—both held at the MCG—were traditional red-ball daytime matches. However, this milestone event will be played under lights to allow a wider audience to tune in and witness history in the making.
Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg emphasized the significance of the occasion, stating:
“The 150th Anniversary Test at the MCG will be one of the great cricket events. Playing under lights is a fantastic way to celebrate both the rich heritage of Test cricket and its modern evolution. It will also help ensure more people can attend and watch this fantastic occasion.”
Reflecting on past historic moments, Greenberg added:
“The Centenary Test in 1977 brought unforgettable performances, including David Hookes’ five consecutive boundaries off Tony Greig, Rick McCosker batting with a broken jaw, and Derek Randall’s defiant century. We expect the 150th Test to create its own legendary moments.”
This match, however, will not be part of the World Test Championship (WTC) but will be one of 12 Tests in the 2026-27 season. Australia’s packed schedule will feature:
- Three Tests in Sri Lanka
- Three home Tests against New Zealand
- Five Test matches in India
- An Ashes series in England
- The ODI World Cup in South Africa later in the year
Cricket Australia has expressed gratitude to the Victorian Government and the Melbourne Cricket Club for their support in hosting this landmark event. As anticipation builds, cricket fans worldwide will be eager to witness this historic clash under lights at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground.
