All eyes will be on Victoria in 2027 with the 150th Anniversary Men’s Ashes Test between Australia and England now secured at the MCG, thanks to a new partnership between the Allan Labor Government and Cricket Australia.
Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos joined Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley at the MCG to cement Victoria’s reputation as Australia’s sports and events capital.
The long-term partnership also means the iconic Boxing Day Test – a crowd favourite of Victoria’s jam-packed major events calendar – will continue to be played at the MCG until at least 2030.
The partnership includes a focus on live music, food and drink, and come-and-try sports activities, fan activations and community events – bringing the excitement of the match out of the stadium and into the community.
The Boxing Day Test is one of cricket’s most prized traditions, attracting hundreds of thousands of cricket fans from across the country and around the world each year – with images of Melbourne and the MCG broadcast to millions.
Australia and England will play the 150thAnniversary Men’s Ashes Test in March 2027 at the MCG – building on the legacy of the Centenary Ashes Test played at the ‘G in 1977.
The 1977 match attracted a crowd that filled the MCG for five days of enthralling Test Cricket where Australia won by 45 runs – the same margin as 100 years earlier.
Exclusive major events like these play a significant role in driving Victoria’s visitor economy to a record $39.3 billion.
Also coming this summer, the MCG will host the Australian Women’s cricket team as they take on England in the Women’s Ashes Day-Night Test early next year.
The Labor Government is proud to support our next generation of cricketers – with more than $335 million invested in community sporting infrastructure to boost participation and make the game more accessible for everyone.
As stated by Premier of Victoria Jacinta Allan
“We’re proud to welcome fans from around the world to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Ashes at the MCG.”
“The Boxing Day Test belongs in Victoria and that’s where it will stay.”
As stated by Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos
“Victoria is Australia’s major events capital – and now there’s more reasons to travel from around Australia and across the globe with events like these.”
As stated by Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley
“We are enormously grateful to the Victorian Government and we’re delighted the MCG will host a fantastic array of matches and events over the next seven years – including the NRMA Insurance Boxing Day Test, the CommBank Women’s Ashes Day-Night Test in January 2025 and the 150th Anniversary Test in March 2027.”
