The historic 150th anniversary Ashes Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in 2027 will be played as a day-night match, marking a significant moment in the history of the sport. Cricket Australia confirmed that the historic encounter between Australia and England, scheduled for March 11-15, 2027, will be the first men’s pink-ball Test at the iconic venue. This match promises to be a landmark event for cricket enthusiasts worldwide, adding another chapter to the rich history of the Ashes series.
This decision to stage the 150th Anniversary Test under lights comes as part of an effort to attract larger crowds. Given that the match will be played in March, outside of the school holiday period, the day-night format will make it more accessible to a broader audience. Historically, the MCG Test matches have attracted large numbers of spectators, but the day-night format promises to open the doors to even more fans who can attend the match after work hours or school. With the match falling outside peak school holiday periods, it is expected to draw in a diverse crowd, making the most of the extended hours and vibrant atmosphere that day-night Tests are known for.
The scheduling of the 150th Ashes Test in March is significant for another reason: it marks the latest time a men’s Test match has been played in a summer since the 1978-79 series against Pakistan. The inclusion of a day-night format is seen as a modern evolution of the game, blending traditional Test cricket with the innovations of the present. This exciting twist on the classic format will offer a fresh perspective to the century-old rivalry between Australia and England.
This historic Test will also be the second day-night encounter held at the MCG. The first was in February 2025 when the Australian women’s team delivered a dominant victory over England. This upcoming Ashes match will follow in the footsteps of that momentous occasion, further cementing the MCG’s reputation as a venue for cutting-edge cricket, where the past and the future come together.
The MCG itself has a storied place in Ashes history, with the first Test between Australia and England held there in 1877. Both the inaugural Test and the Centenary Test in 1977 saw Australia claim victories by 45 runs, adding to the venue’s legendary status. Cricket Australia is confident that the 150th Anniversary Test will live up to this legacy, creating new memories for fans and players alike.
Todd Greenberg, the new CEO of Cricket Australia, expressed his excitement about the upcoming event. He emphasized that the 150th Anniversary Test will be a celebration of the game’s rich heritage and modern evolution, underscoring how day-night cricket has reinvigorated the sport. Greenberg’s comments also highlighted the importance of accessibility, noting that the match’s timing will ensure that more people can attend and be part of this iconic cricketing occasion.
The announcement of the day-night format follows in the footsteps of other successful day-night Test matches that have been held at venues around the world in recent years. With its growing popularity, the pink-ball Test is poised to become a permanent feature of the modern cricketing landscape, particularly for marquee events such as the Ashes.
The 150th Ashes Test promises to be a spectacle that will draw fans from across the globe, showcasing not only the fierce rivalry between Australia and England but also the evolving nature of the sport itself. As fans gear up for this historic match, it is certain that the 150th Anniversary Test at the MCG will be an unforgettable event, blending tradition with innovation and leaving a lasting impact on cricket history.
