Cricket Australia has announced that the special Test match between Australia and England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in March 2027, marking 150 years of men’s Test cricket, will be a day-night match played with a pink ball.
This decision, made two years ahead of the game scheduled for March 11-15, commemorates the first-ever Test match at the same venue between these two nations in 1877. The day-night format mirrors the recent women’s Ashes Test at the MCG but contrasts with the first and Centenary Tests, both played during the day with a red ball and won by Australia by 45 runs. This will be the first day-night men’s Test at the MCG.
A key factor in this decision is to increase attendance in Australia and improve global television ratings. Unlike the Boxing Day Test, which falls during holidays, this match will be played during the regular school and work year.
Playing under lights will also benefit viewers in the UK, allowing them to watch the final session after 7:30 am. Todd Greenberg, CEO of Cricket Australia, expressed gratitude to the Victorian government and the Melbourne Cricket Club for their support of this day-night initiative.
Greenberg stated that the 150th Anniversary Test will be a major cricket event, and the day-night format is a great way to celebrate cricket’s heritage and modern evolution. He believes it will enable more people to attend and watch this historic game. He recalled iconic moments from the Centenary Test and anticipates new memorable moments in the 150th Test. He also mentioned that the upcoming Ashes series will build excitement for this match.
This match is part of a busy 2027 schedule for the Australian men’s team, including four home Tests against New Zealand and a five-Test tour to India, before this one-off Test against England, which will coincide with the start of the IPL.
While this Test is not part of the World Test Championship, Australia may play in the WTC final in June 2027, followed by an away Ashes series and the ODI World Cup in October and November.
