MCG will host 150th anniversary Test match

Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) will host a one-off Test match between Australia and England in March 2027 to mark 150 years of Test cricket. 

The MCG hosted the first-ever Test match between Australia and England, which began on March 15th, 1877. In celebration of 100 years of Test cricket, the same venue also hosted the Centenary Test between Australia and England, which started on March 12th, 1977. Australia won both the first and the Centenary Tests by 45 runs. 

On Sunday (August 18), Cricket Australia announced its venue deals until the 2030/31 season. During this agreement, Cricket Australia announced that the MCG will host a standalone Australia vs England Test match in March 2027 in celebration of 150 years of Test cricket. 

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MCG and SCG have confirmed their traditions

Talking about other key details in the latest venue deals, MCG will host the Boxing Day Tests until the 2030/31 season. Since 1981/82, the MCG has been following this trend. 

On the other hand, Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) will host the New Year’s Tests until the 2030/31 season. Since 1989/90, the SCG has been following this tradition. 

In the meantime, Adelaide Oval has booked the pre-Christmas slot to host the Test matches until the 2030/31 season. According to the latest agreement, there is no day/night Test guarantee for Adelaide Oval. However, this venue will also host the New Year’s Eve BBL matches for the next seven years. 

For the next three seasons, Perth’s Optus Stadium will host the opening Test of the season. The Western Australian government hasn’t gone for the longer deals. 

Gabba future doubtful

Due to the redevelopment plan for hosting the Brisbane 2032 Olympics, the iconic venue Gabba has an unsecured future. The venue has confirmed Test matches only for the next two seasons. The 2026/27 is likely to be the first season in the last 50 years that Gabba will not host a Test match. 

The ICC FTP schedule has been confirmed until early 2027. After the five-match Border-Gavaskar Test series against India in the 2024/25 season, Australia’s next home Test assignment will be a five-match Ashes Test series against England in the 2025/26 season. New Zealand will tour Australia in the 2026/27 summer for a possible four-match Test series (originally scheduled as a three-match Test series).