The iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is set to make history by hosting its first-ever men's day-night pink-ball Test match in 2027. The historic occasion will be the 150th Anniversary Test between arch-rivals Australia and England, scheduled for March 2027, under lights at the colossal stadium.
A Historic First for the MCG
While the MCG has a rich tradition of hosting the Boxing Day Test, it has never staged a men's day-night Test match with the pink ball. The ground has, however, hosted a women's day-night Test in the past. This milestone was confirmed by Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg, who also opened the door for the possibility of a day-night Boxing Day Test in the future, stating the idea is 'not off the cards'.
The announcement comes on the back of a record-breaking Boxing Day attendance at the MCG. The opening day of the recent Ashes Test witnessed a staggering 93,442 spectators, breaking the previous all-time single-day attendance record of 93,013 set during the 2013 Boxing Day Test.
Greenberg on Pink-Ball Cricket and the 2027 Spectacle
Speaking to the media, Greenberg highlighted the success of pink-ball cricket in other Australian venues. "Look, it's not off the cards. We've been talking a lot about the strength of pink-ball cricket, it was amazing this year in Brisbane, it has been really good in Adelaide," he said.
He revealed that the ticket ballot for the landmark 2027 Test has already opened, with Cricket Australia aiming to create a memorable event that echoes the legendary 1977 Centenary Test. "The strength of ticket sales and the interest it will have, 150 years of cricket between our two countries is going to be a pretty special moment. Those who were here in the '77 Centenary (Test) still talk about it in great affection, and our job is to make sure that happens again," Greenberg added.
Tradition vs. Innovation: The Day-Night Debate
The MCG and the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) remain the only major Australian Test venues yet to host a men's day-night match. Other grounds like Perth, Hobart, Brisbane, and Adelaide have already embraced the format. Adelaide Oval pioneered the concept in Australia, hosting the first-ever day-night Test against New Zealand in 2015.
However, the push for a day-night Boxing Day Test at the MCG faces a traditionalist viewpoint. MCG CEO Stuart Fox expressed his personal preference for day matches. "I actually love the tradition, personally, I love the tradition of a day game here. I think the day-night Tests have been great in Adelaide and Brisbane. I am a bit of a traditionalist – I love a day AFL grand final and love a day Boxing Day Test," Fox told media.
Despite this, the wheels are in motion for the MCG to join the pink-ball era in a grand fashion in 2027, marking a new chapter in the storied Ashes rivalry while keeping the future of the Boxing Day Test format an open and exciting question.
