In 2027, Australia and England will celebrate 150 years of Test cricket with a special one-off Test match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

This historic event marks a milestone in cricket history, echoing the Centenary Test held in 1977. The match will serve as a tribute to the inaugural Test played in 1877 at the same venue, where Australia and England first faced off in what would become a legendary rivalry.

The 1977 Centenary Test, which Australia won by 45 runs, is still remembered fondly by cricket fans. The upcoming match will look to replicate the spirit of that historic event.

When was the first-ever Test match played?

The first-ever Test match took place during March 15-19, 1877 at the MCG. England toured Australia for a 2-match Test series.

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What happened at the first-ever Test match?

Playing against England, Australia scored 245 runs in their first innings, with Charles Bannerman scoring most of the innings’ runs. He scored 165 runs and was the only batsman in the Australian innings to hit boundaries.

In reply, England managed to score 196 runs. Leading by 49 runs at the start of the second innings, Australia set the target of 155 runs and won the match by 45 runs.

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What are Cricket Australia’s long-term agreements for iconic venues?

Cricket Australia (CA) and state governments have secured long-term agreements for hosting regular Tests at iconic venues. The MCG, Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), and Adelaide Oval will continue to host their annual Boxing Day, New Year’s, and pre-Christmas Tests, respectively, until at least 2030-31.

The one-off anniversary Test in 2027 adds complexity to the cricket calendar, as Australia is also scheduled to host Bangladesh for two World Test Championship matches around the same time. Adjustments may be necessary to accommodate both events to ensure that all commitments are met before the WTC final in June 2027.

The historic 150th anniversary Test match will not only honor the past but also highlight the enduring significance of Test cricket in the modern era.