Australia and England will face off in a one-off Test match at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in 2027, to mark the 150th anniversary of Test cricket. The match, scheduled for March, will commemorate the very first Test, which was played in March 1877 at the same venue, Cricket Australia (CA) announced on Sunday (August 18).

The celebration follows the highly successful 1977 Centenary Test, also played at the MCG, which Australia won by 45 runs, mirroring the result of the inaugural Test match. Cricket Australia has also confirmed the allocation of men's international Test match hosting rights for the next seven seasons.

“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,” CA, CEO Nick Hockley said in a statement.

The MCG also retains its role as the venue for the traditional Boxing Day Test, held annually from December 26, through to the 2030-31 season. Additionally, the other iconic cricket stadium, the Sydney Cricket Ground will host the famous New Year's Test shortly after. Cricket Australia confirmed these arrangements as part of their scheduling for the next seven seasons.

Adelaide Oval will host the December 'Christmas Test' in the lead-up to Christmas starting from the 2025/26 season, featuring both Day-Night and Day Tests. Additionally, it will host a Big Bash League (BBL) New Year's Eve match for the next seven seasons.

Perth Stadium will continue to be the venue for the first Men's Test of the summer through to the 2026/27 season. The Gabba will host Test matches for at least the next two years, including a Men's Ashes Day-Night Test in 2025/26.