Cricket Australia (CA) is planning a grand celebration for the 150th anniversary of the first-ever Test match. The momentous occasion, which took place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in 1877, will be marked with a special Test match between Australia and England, once again at the historic venue, in March 2027.
The original match, played over five days between March 15 and 19, 1877, saw Australia triumph over England by a comfortable margin of 45 runs. Interestingly, England won the second match at the same venue, resulting in a tied series.
The significance of the occasion is highlighted by the fact that the 100th anniversary of the inaugural Test was also celebrated with a Test match between Australia and England at the MCG in 1977, with Australia securing another victory by 45 runs.
Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley expressed his excitement about the upcoming anniversary match, stating, “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.”
In addition to the commemorative match, the MCG has been confirmed as the host of the traditional Boxing Day Test for the next seven seasons, concluding in 2030-31. The Sydney Cricket Ground will take over the hosting duties for the New Year’s Test shortly after the Boxing Day Test. This arrangement ensures that these two iconic venues continue to be the centerpieces of Australian cricket’s festive season.
