Australia and England will play a one-off Test match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in 2027 to commemorate 150 years of Test cricket.
The two teams first faced each other at this iconic venue in 1877 for the inaugural Test match, and later in 1977, they contested the Centenary Test to mark 100 years of the format, a match won by Australia.
Cricket Australia, along with state governments, has also confirmed that the annual Boxing Day Test at the MCG and the New Year’s Test at the SCG are secured at their traditional venues through the 2030-31 season.
Another significant announcement is that Perth has been granted the rights to host the opening Test of the summer for the next three years.
This marks the first time in over four decades that the Ashes will kick off at a venue other than the Gabba in Brisbane.
The Adelaide Oval will host the Christmas Test each December for the next seven years, in either the traditional day format or as a day-night fixture.
Although the next Ashes Test in Adelaide in 2025-26 is scheduled as a day game, the venue has recently become known for hosting pink-ball Tests.
“We are delighted to confirm long-term hosting rights that provide certainty around the locations of some fantastic cricket over the next seven years,” said CA CEO Nick Hockley.
“We are confident this schedule ensures the best cricket will be played at the best venues at the right times across the country, including a fantastic mix of iconic Test matches, new blockbusters such as the West Test and Christmas Test, and exciting day-night fixtures.
“The 150th anniversary Test match at the MCG in March 2027 will be a wonderful celebration of the pinnacle format of the game at one of the world’s great sporting arenas, and we can’t wait to host England on that occasion.”
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