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150th Test: Cricket's Oldest Rivalry Faces Pink Ball Gamble
13 Jan
Summary
- The 150th Anniversary Test between Australia and England is set for March 2027.
- The iconic match at the MCG will be played under controversial day/night conditions.
- Concerns exist the Test could finish early due to variable autumn weather.
The 150th anniversary of the inaugural Test match between Australia and England is approaching, with a commemorative Test scheduled from March 11-15, 2027, at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). This significant clash marks a historic rivalry that began in 1877 and is anticipated to be a major draw for fans and a potential financial boost for Cricket Australia.
However, concerns loom over the match's format. Unlike traditional day games, this milestone Test will controversially be played under pink ball day/night conditions in mid-March, coinciding with the start of the Australian Rules Football season. This timing, coupled with Melbourne's notoriously variable autumn weather, raises questions about the match's duration.
Following a summer marked by short, two-day Tests due to challenging pitch conditions and batting struggles, there are genuine fears the 150th Anniversary Test could also end prematurely. Cricket authorities may request a pitch that favors batsmen, but the autumnal climate could still present unforeseen challenges for a five-day contest.
