Australia and England are set to play a one-off Test at the MCG in March 2027 to celebrate 150 years of Test cricket. This match will replicate the Centenary Test of 1977, where Australia won by the same margin as the first-ever Test in 1877. The announcement coincides with Cricket Australia confirming seven-year agreements for the MCG, SCG, and Adelaide Oval to host regular Tests.
The traditional Boxing Day Test in Melbourne and the New Year’s Test in Sydney are secured until the 2030-31 season. Adelaide Oval has also locked in a pre-Christmas Test slot for seven years. Meanwhile, Perth’s Optus Stadium will host the opening Test of the season for the next three years, starting with the Ashes in 2025-26.
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The Gabba’s future as a Test venue remains uncertain due to redevelopment plans ahead of the 2032 Olympics. Only the next two seasons, hosting matches against India and England, are confirmed. This uncertainty may lead to other venues like Hobart and Canberra stepping in, especially beyond the 2026-27 season.
The scheduling of the anniversary Test may impact Australia’s planned series against Bangladesh in March 2027. Cricket Australia will have to manage this potential calendar conflict, especially with the World Test Championship matches needing to be completed before the June 2027 final.
