CA will celebrate 150 years of Test cricket in 2027 with an AUS vs ENG one-off match

Cricket Australia (CA) has announced a special Test between Australia and England in 2027 to commemorate 150 years of Test cricket. Notably, CA has released the men’s hosting rights schedule for the home Test till August 18, 2031. While finalizing the schedule, CA has revealed special Tests between the game’s oldest rivals to celebrate cricket’s most revered format at the historic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

Notably, the first Test match was played from 15–19 March Australia and England 1877 at the MCG where Australia won by 45 runs. CA CEO Nick Hockley expressed his enthusiasm for the much-anticipated sesquicentenary and called it a wonderful celebration of the pinnacle format.

“The 150th anniversary Test match at the MCG in March 2027 will be a great celebration of the game’s top form in one of the world’s greatest sporting arenas and we can’t wait to host England on that occasion,” CA CEO Nick Hockley told cricket.com.au .

Notably, CA had earlier hosted the Centenary Test between the two teams held from 12–17 March 1977. It was a grand occasion at the MCG as every living male cricketer who played in the Ashes in Australia or England was invited to watch the game. .

CA hosted the Centenary Test in 1977

In a major coincidence, Greg Chappell’s Australia beat Tony Greig’s England by 45 runs, the same margin by which Australia won the first Test. Meanwhile, Australia and England will rekindle their rivalry ahead of the 2025-26 Ashes sesquicentennial Test. Notably, Australia has held the statue since 2017 and England last held it in 2015.

Furthermore, the Three Lions are yet to win a Test since 2011 following series losses of 0-5, 0-4 and 0-4 in their last three Ashes tours to Australia. However, England have given Australia tough competition at home with their last series loss in 2003 to their arch-rivals. The Kangaroos managed to draw the series 2-2 In the last two occasions and will therefore be hungry to continue their dominance at home in the upcoming series.