Test cricket was born at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The first official Test match was played there in March 1877, between Australia and England, and in March 2027 the two sides return to the same ground to mark 150 years. It is a single Test, listed as the 150th Anniversary Test, and it is scheduled to start on 11 March 2027.
One match means each selection matters. There is no series to recover in, so the toss, the first morning and the form of the top six all carry more weight. This guide covers the schedule, the venue, how a one-off Test changes your fantasy approach, and what we know about the squads so far (nothing official yet).
The fixture
Why this Test matters
The 1877 match at the MCG is recognised as the first Test in history, and Australia and England have played each other for the Ashes ever since. A 150th anniversary at the same ground is a once-only fixture, and the MCG is likely to be close to full. For fantasy players it is a different kind of match from a normal series game, because there is no momentum from earlier Tests to read.
How to approach a one-off Test in fantasy
- Pick players who are certain to play. In a series you can rotate your picks across matches. Here, one omission ruins the XI, so wait for the confirmed XI on the match page before you lock.
- Lean on allrounders. A player who bats in the top six and bowls overs scores in both innings and gives you cover if one side collapses.
- Bowlers over batters in the first innings. The MCG pitch has in the past offered seam movement on day one, and strike bowlers who take early wickets are rewarded most.
- Choose a captain who plays all five days. A frontline bowler or opener who gets two innings of work is a safer captain than a number seven.
- Check the weather. Melbourne in March can be warm and dry or interrupted by rain. The match page shows the live forecast before you lock.
Test fantasy points accumulate over up to five days. The best time to adjust your Predictor call is after the toss, and the best time to lock a Fantasy XI is just before it, once the XIs are out.
Squads
Neither side has named a squad for this Test yet. It comes after the white-ball series that opens the tour, and a full Australian summer, so the selection picture is likely to change between now and March. This guide is updated as soon as official squads are published.
Play free on CricketDream
Every CricketDream game is free, with no entry fee and no prize pool. Pick 11 players within the credit budget, choose a captain (2x points) and vice-captain (1.5x points), and your score updates live through the match.
Open the 150th Anniversary Test match page and set your free Predictor call.
Open match pageFrequently asked questions
When is the Australia vs England 150th Anniversary Test?
It is scheduled to start on 11 March 2027 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground and run for five days.
Why is it called the 150th Anniversary Test?
The first official Test match, between Australia and England, was played at the MCG in March 1877. The 2027 Test marks 150 years since that match.
Is it part of a series?
No. It is a single Test, played at the end of England's tour of Australia, after the ODI and T20I series.
Are the squads announced?
Not yet. We update this guide when official squads are published.
Is CricketDream fantasy free to play?
Yes. Fantasy XI, Draft, Multi-Draft, Predictor, Cricket Quiz and CricketQuest are all completely free, with no entry fees and no cash prizes. You can play the Test for fun and bragging rights with friends.
Where can I follow the live score?
CricketDream is not a broadcaster. Check your local rights holder for the live stream, and use each CricketDream match page for the live score, confirmed playing XIs and your fantasy points as they update.