Historic day-night Test to celebrate 150 years of Test cricket at MCG

In a landmark announcement, Cricket Australia has confirmed that the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) will host a day-night pink-ball Test match from March 11-15, 2027, to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the first ever Test match. 

This game will mark a historic evolution in professional cricket, as it will be the first men’s day-night Test held at the renowned venue, which famously hosted the inaugural Test between Australia and England in 1877.

The decision to play under lights, a significant departure from the traditional red-ball matches that have defined Test cricket for more than a century, aims to engage a wider audience and enhance the viewing experience both at the ground and on screens worldwide. Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg expressed his enthusiasm for the occasion, saying, “The 150th Anniversary Test at the MCG will be one of the great cricket events, and playing under lights will be a fantastic way to celebrate both our game’s rich heritage and Test cricket’s modern evolution.”

Greenberg noted that hosting the match outside of Australia’s traditional summer window influenced the choice of a pink-ball fixture, as playing under lights is expected to boost attendance figures and television viewership. 

The final session of the match is particularly poised to attract a UK audience, with the timing allowing for convenient viewing in the British morning hours. The Victorian state government and the Melbourne Cricket Club have been pivotal in ensuring this momentous occasion comes to fruition.

The 150th Test will serve as a highlight in a thrilling year for Australian cricket. 

Following a four-Test home series against New Zealand and a five-Test tour in India, the Australian team will have the chance to showcase their skill before potentially competing in the World Test Championship final in June. The exhilarating anticipation does not end there; the team will also head to England for a five-Test Ashes series and participate in the 2027 ODI World Cup later that year.

Though this pink-ball match will not be part of the World Test Championship, its significance elevates it to a marquee event in the cricketing calendar. With the upcoming 2025 Ashes series set to reignite the historic rivalry between Australia and England, the cricketing community eagerly anticipates the memories that will arise from this milestone Test.

Additional reporting by
Reuters and ESPN Cricinfo