With packed crowds expected to fill the MCG in March 2027, Cricket Australia has chosen to hold a ticket ballot for the first time in its history
Ticket ballot announced for historic 150th Anniversary Test
Cricket Australia has announced it will implement a ticket ballot for the historic 150th Anniversary Test between Australia and England in March 2027.
Due to the enormous crowds expected to pack the MCG across five days between 11 and 15 March, Cricket Australia has chosen to hold a ticket ballot for the first time in its history.
The ballot will open on December 23 2025 and run until February 6 2026. Once closed, entries will be randomised, and successful applicants will be notified by February 13.
Travel packages for the match will also be available through CA's Travel Office (CATO) and will go on sale on November 21 2025.
The 150th Anniversary Test will mark five days of history in more ways than one.
The match will be the first men’s Test to be played under lights at the MCG, with plans in the works to acknowledge cricketing legends from across the globe through a range of celebrations and entertainment.
Learn more about ticket ballot details for the 150th Anniversary Test now.
It is the next major milestone in a famed historical lineage, dating back to March 1877 when Australia and England met in the first ever Test at the MCG.
The Centenary Test followed in 1977 and became an instant classic thanks to the feats of David Hookes and his five successive boundaries off the bowling of Tony Greig, as well as the courage of Aussie tailender Rick McCosker who faced up to the English bowlers despite a broken jaw.
In an oft-remembered quirk of fate, Australia won both the First Test and Centenary Test by 45 runs.
Former Australian captain Greg Chappel and England great Ian Botham came together for the announcement of the ticket ballot in Melbourne on Tuesday.
"It's hard to beat 150 years of history, and sadly, we've been alive for half of it, so it has been a big part of my memories from an early age," Chappel said when asked whether Australia’s traditional rivalry with England is still their greatest in cricket.
"We all are very well aware of the history of Test cricket between the two countries.
"You know, there's always a situation where one or the other isn't at their best at a particular moment. I don't know the exact number, but I reckon if you look at the results, it's probably not that far apart."