New Delhi, 05 February (H.S.): Unprecedented excitement surrounds the historic 150th Anniversary Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) scheduled for March 2027, with ticket demand far exceeding expectations for the Australia-England showdown.

The public ticket ballot closes this week amid a flood of applications. This landmark match, set to commence on March 11, 2027, at the MCG, marks cricket's first men's pink-ball day-night Test at the venue and celebrates 150 years of the sport's glorious history.

Cricketer luminaries from around the world are poised to attend.

Anticipating overwhelming demand, Cricket Australia (CA) introduced a public ballot system for the first time in its history. Applications close on Friday, February 6, at 5 PM Australian time; entries will then be randomized, with successful applicants notified by February 20.

CA reports a surge in applications not just from Victoria but from other states and overseas, predominantly from the UK. Interstate and international bids are categorized separately from Victorian residents.

For this milestone event, CA plans to invite all living male and female ICC Hall of Famers, Australian Cricket Hall of Fame members, players from the 1977 Centenary Test (Australia and England), former Test captains, and ex-Test cricketers from both nations. Over 100 former Australian players and global cricket icons have already confirmed attendance.

Echoes of HistoryThe 150th Anniversary Test continues a storied tradition that began with the first-ever Test match at the MCG between Australia and England in March 1877. The 1977 Centenary Test was equally iconic, featuring legends like David Hookes, Tony Greig, and Rick McCosker in memorable performances.

Strikingly, Australia won both the inaugural Test and the Centenary Test by 45 runs.Special ceremonies and entertainment will honor global cricket greats, ensuring this becomes an unforgettable chapter in Test cricket lore—the first day-night men's Test at the MCG.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar