Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg has not dismissed the possibility of a day-night Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
The MCG hosted a women’s day-night Test match in January 2025 and is set to stage the 150th Anniversary Test between Australia and England under lights in March 2027.
Melbourne first hosted the Boxing Day Test in 1950.
Cricket Australia retains contractual rights to use the MCG until the end of March each summer, despite its use for Australian Rules football during that month. Earlier this year, the venue hire agreement with the MCG was extended until the 2030-31 summer.
“It’s not off the cards. We’ve been discussing the merits of pink-ball cricket, which was fantastic this year in Brisbane and has also been successful in Adelaide. In March 2027, Melbourne will have its chance,” Greenberg told Fox Cricket.
Given the massive crowds expected at the MCG for the historic 150th Anniversary Test between Australia and England from March 11 to 15, 2027, Cricket Australia has introduced a ticket ballot for the first time.
The ballot opened on December 23 and will run until February 6, 2026. After closing, entries will be randomised, and successful applicants will be notified by February 13.
“I don’t have the early numbers, but the ballot concept demonstrates the high interest in this event. The strength of ticket sales and the excitement surrounding 150 years of cricket between our two countries will make it a special occasion.
“Those who attended the 1977 Centenary Test still speak of it fondly. Our goal is to ensure the 150th in March 2027 is equally memorable,” said Greenberg.
However, Melbourne Cricket Club boss Stuart Fox doesn’t want to deviate from the tradition.
“I actually love the tradition, personally, I love the tradition of a day game here,” Fox said. “I think the day-night Tests have been great in Adelaide and Brisbane. I am a bit of a traditionalist – I love a day AFL grand final and love a day Boxing Day Test.”