Australia to host England in historic day-night Test at MCG in 2027

Australia and England will mark the 150th anniversary of their first Test match with a day-night contest at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in March 2027.

The commemorative fixture has been confirmed by Cricket Australia and will be the first men's pink-ball clash at the MCG, the venue which played host to the first Test between the two sides in March 1877.

With the added element of being played under the lights, the match will be a standalone contest and not part of an Ashes series or the World Test Championship.

Cricket Australia's new chief executive Todd Greenberg said: "The 150th Anniversary Test at the MCG will be one of the great cricket events and playing under lights will be a fantastic way to celebrate both our game's rich heritage and Test cricket's modern evolution.

"It will also help ensure more people are able to attend and watch what will be a fantastic occasion."

It's understood that the decision to stage the one-off Test match as a day-night contest would help to maximise crowd attendance boost television ratings globally, particularly in the UK.

"This season's Ashes Series will whet the appetite for this clash in exactly two years," added Greenberg. "We look forward to celebrating this historic occasion further as it draws nearer."

England make the trip Down Under later this year as they attempt to reclaim the Ashes by sealing a first series win in Australia since 2011.

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Jaquob Crooke

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