'It will get its opportunity': Cricket Australia chief on chances of pink-ball Boxing Day Test at MCG

Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg hasn’t dismissed the idea of a day-night Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The MCG has already hosted a women’s day-night Test in January 2025 and is set to host the Australia versus England 150th Anniversary Test under lights in March 2027.

Melbourne has a long history with Boxing Day tests, dating back to the event’s first running in 1950. CA also holds contractual rights to use the MCG for the summer season through March, even though the ground often hosts Australian Rules football during that period. Earlier this year, CA extended its venue hire agreement with the MCG through the 2030-31 summer.



“Look, it’s not off the cards," Greenberg told Fox Cricket. "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.”

With the five-day 150th Anniversary Test between Australia and England looming from March 11–15, CA has launched its first-ever ticket ballot for this historic match. The ballot opened on December 23 and will run until February 6, 2026. After the draw, successful applicants will be notified by February 13.

Greenberg added, "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."