150th Anniversary Test Match
An official travel operator for England’s last four Ashes tours to Australia, Freedom Destinations answers your questions about the 150th Anniversary Test Match, and travelling to the MCG, Melbourne and beyond.
Who is playing in the 150th Anniversary Test Match?
To celebrate 150 years since the first international Test Match, Australia will play England in a one-off 5-day Test in March 2027.
In 1877, Australia won the first Test by 45 runs, with England winning the second Test by four wickets, two weeks later. Attendance peaked at an estimated 9,000 to 12,000 spectators for the third day of the first Test. In 2027, a full-house is expected, with over 100,000 England and Australia cricket fans cheering their teams on.
When and where is the 150th Anniversary Test Match?
The 150th Anniversary Test Match will take place at the famous MCG in Melbourne, Australia, from the 11th to 15th March 2027. It will be a day/night match, played with a pink ball under the MCG floodlights.
When do tickets for the 150th Anniversary Test Match go on sale?
Ticket and travel packages for the Australia v England 150th Anniversary Test Match are expected to go on sale in late-November 2025. Please register your interest to be the first to know when tickets are released.
Will I have to travel in a group?
With Freedom Destinations you can book your ticket and hotel package for the 150th Anniversary Test Match in Melbourne on its own, or as part of a tailor made holiday to Australia.
Our team of Aussie Specialists have all lived or travelled Down Under, and can design a bespoke itinerary for you, combining the cricket with time to explore Australia’s famous cities and natural wonders.
You could ride the Indian Pacific to Adelaide, then drive the Great Ocean Road to Melbourne, or follow the anniversary Test with an escorted tour of Tasmania.
Can I choose my seats at the MCG?
Yes, subject to availability you will be able to choose from various areas around the stadium to watch the 150th Anniversary Test Match at the MCG, with views ‘behind the bowlers arm’, ‘square of the wicket’ and ‘mid-wicket’.
Are there any special events for the Anniversary Test?
It is expected that an official Pre-Match Function will be held on the first day of the England v Australia 150th Anniversary Test Match. Similar events before Ashes Test Matches have included guest appearances by former cricketing greats.
Where is the MCG?
The MCG is located within Yarra Park, about two kilometres from Melbourne city centre. Yarra Park is part of the Melbourne Sports and Entertainment Precinct, which is also home to the Rod Laver Arena and AAMI Park.
The official address of the MCG is Brunton Avenue, Richmond, Victoria 3002.
What is the best way to get to the MCG?
A capacity crowd of 1000,000 is expected for the 150th Anniversary Test Match at the MCG. Whilst Melbourne has a good public transport network, we recommend giving yourself plenty of time to reach the stadium.
- On Foot – The MCG is around a 25 to 40 minute walk from most major hotels in Melbourne city centre. You can walk along Flinders Street or through the picturesque Yarra Park.
- By Train – The MCG is easily accessible from Richmond Station and Jolimont Station, both of which are just a few minutes’ walk from the stadium. Trains depart regularly from Flinders Street Station.
- By Tram – Several trams run to the MCG along Flinders Street. Tram routes 48 and 75 stop near the stadium, dropping you off on Wellington Parade within a short walking distance.
- By Taxi – Traditional taxis as well as Uber and other rideshare services operate throughout Melbourne. There are designated taxi drop-off points in Brunton Avenue and Wellington Parade.
- By Car – Driving to the MCG is not recommended due to the lack of parking close to the venue.
Who are Freedom Destinations?
Freedom Destinations are a UK-based, ABTA and ATOL bonded tour operator that has been organising bespoke holidays to Australia for over 25 years.
They are a Cricket Australia Travel Office Licensed Travel Operator for the 2025/26 NRMA Insurance Ashes (having sent thousands of fans Down Under for England’s previous three Ashes tours to Australia).
Please get in touch to start your adventure!
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