Cricket Australia’s CEO, Todd Greenberg, has expressed openness to the idea of holding a day-night Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). The MCG recently hosted a women’s day-night Test match in January 2025 and is set to host the 150th Anniversary Test between Australia and England under lights in March 2027.
Since hosting the first Boxing Day Test in 1950, Melbourne has remained a significant venue for cricket. Despite the MCG being used for Australian Rules football, Cricket Australia holds contractual rights to use the venue until the end of March each summer. The agreement has been extended until the 2030-31 summer.
Greenberg highlighted the success of pink-ball cricket in recent matches and mentioned the upcoming opportunity for Melbourne to host a day-night Test in March 2027. Due to the expected large crowds for the historic 150th Anniversary Test, Cricket Australia has introduced a ticket ballot for the first time. The ballot, open from December 23 to February 6, 2026, will randomize entries, with successful applicants notified by February 13.
“I don’t have the early numbers, but the concept of running a ballot will give you some demonstration of what we see in this event. 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,” Greenberg stated. He emphasized the significance of the event, aiming to recreate the memorable experience of the ’77 Centenary Test at the upcoming 150th Anniversary Test in March 2027.
