Australia and England will play historic pink-ball test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in 2027, marking the 150th anniversary of Test cricket, reports UNB.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has revealed the information in its website report.
According to a statement from Cricket Australia, the pink-ball Test will be played from March 11-15, 2027, making it the first time Australia’s men’s team will play a day-night Test at the iconic venue, the ICC website reports.
The MCG holds special significance in cricket history, having hosted the first-ever Test match between the two nations in 1877.
To celebrate the centenary of that game, Australia and England played a Centenary Test at the same venue in 1977, with Australia winning by 45 runs— the same margin as the original Test match.
A second centenary Test was held in 1980 at Lord’s to commemorate the first Test played in England in 1880.
The upcoming 150th-anniversary Test will be a grand occasion, reflecting both the sport’s rich history and its modern evolution.
“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,” said Todd Greenberg, CEO of Cricket Australia.
“It will also help ensure more people are able to attend and watch what will be a fantastic occasion,” he added.
Earlier this year, Australia’s women’s team played the first-ever day-night Test at the MCG, also against England, as part of the Women’s Ashes.
Greenberg also recalled the Centenary Test’s memorable moments, including David Hookes’ five consecutive boundaries off Tony Greig, Rick McCosker batting with a broken jaw, and Derek Randall’s defiant century.
“I’m sure the 150th anniversary Test will create its own lifelong memories,” he said.
Bd-Pratidin English/ AM
