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Cricket Australia Eyes Day-Night Boxing Day Test at MCG, CEO Says "Not Off the Cards"

Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg has left the door open for a future day-night Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, praising the success of pink-ball matches. The historic 150th Anniversary Test between Australia and England, scheduled under lights at the MCG in March 2027, has prompted CA's first-ever ticket ballot due to massive demand. Greenberg highlighted the special significance of the milestone match, aiming to recreate the affection held for the 1977 Centenary Test. CA has also secured its venue hire agreement with the MCG through the 2030-31 summer.

Key Points: Day-Night Boxing Day Test at MCG? CA CEO Hints at Possibility

  • Day-night Boxing Day Test possible
  • Historic 150th Anniversary Test in 2027
  • First-ever ticket ballot for MCG Test
  • MCG agreement extended to 2031
2 min read

Cricket Australia CEO says hosting of day-night Boxing Day Test at MCG is 'not off the cards'

Cricket Australia's CEO hasn't ruled out a day-night Boxing Day Test at the MCG, citing the success of pink-ball cricket and a historic 2027 Test.

Cricket Australia CEO says hosting of day-night Boxing Day Test at MCG is 'not off the cards'
"Look, it's not off the cards. We've been talking a lot about the strength of pink-ball cricket... - Todd Greenberg, Cricket Australia CEO"

Melbourne, Dec 26

Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg has not ruled out the possibility of a day-night Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

The MCG held a women's day-night Test match in January 2025; in addition, the venue will host Australia and England's 150th Anniversary Test under lights in March 2027.

Melbourne hosted the inaugural Boxing Day Test in 1950. Since then CA holds contractual rights to use the MCG until the end of March each summer, despite the venue often being used for Australian Rules football in that month. Earlier this year, it extended its venue hire agreement with the MCG until the 2030-31 summer.

"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, and it has been really good in Adelaide. March 2027, it will get its opportunity here in Melbourne." Greenberg was quoted by Fox Cricket.

Due to the enormous crowds expected to pack the MCG across five days between March 11 to 15 for the historic 150th Anniversary Test between Australia and England in March 2027, CA has opened a ticket ballot for the first time in its history.

The ballot opened on December 23 and runs until February 6, 2026. Once closed, entries will be randomised, and successful applicants will be 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.

"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 at the 150th in March 2027," said Greenberg.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The ticket ballot system is interesting. We should consider something similar in India for big matches to manage the crazy demand and make it fairer. The 2027 match sounds historic, but honestly, nothing beats an India vs Australia Test series for sheer intensity!
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Aman W
Day-night Tests are the future, no doubt. Better for TV viewership globally, especially in prime time for countries like India. CA is smart to explore this for the Boxing Day Test. Hope BCCI is taking notes for our own iconic venues.
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Sarah B
Respectfully, while innovation is good, I hope they don't lose the traditional charm of a Boxing Day Test. The afternoon sun, the full day's play... it's a ritual. Some things are perfect as they are. The 150th anniversary under lights will be special though.
V
Vikram M
Good to see the women's day-night Test getting a mention! Often these articles only talk about men's cricket. The growth of women's cricket is fantastic. More day-night games globally will help attract bigger audiences to the women's game too.
K
Karthik V
The logistics with the AFL season seem tricky. It's impressive how they manage the calendar. In India, we have our own challenges with the IPL window. Cricket administration is no easy task! Wishing success for the 2027 event.

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