Cricket Australia is extending a classy invitation to some of England's oldest living cricketers, asking them to be special guests for a monumental 150th-anniversary Test match celebration. The historic, floodlit fixture between England and Australia is scheduled to take place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground from March 11-15, 2027.
A Nostalgic Guest List for a Landmark Event
The planning meeting held by Cricket Australia on Tuesday confirmed that the event is set to be an unforgettably huge event, with daily crowds expected to reach a staggering 100,000 spectators. While the final number of English players to be flown over is still being finalised, the VIP list has a confirmed core: all surviving members of the 1977 Centenary Test team.
This esteemed group includes now-octogenarian and septuagenarian stars such as Mike Brearley (83), Dennis Amiss (82), Keith Fletcher (81), Alan Knott, Derek Randall, Chris Old, and John Lever. They are all being asked to make the 10,500-mile journey back to Melbourne in 16 months' time.
Honouring Cricket History and Fallen Heroes
The Melbourne Cricket Ground is the spiritual home of this rivalry, having hosted the very first Test match in March 1877. In a remarkable coincidence, Australia won both that inaugural match and the 100th-anniversary match in 1977 by an identical margin of 45 runs.
Tragically, four players from the 1977 England side have since passed away: Bob Willis, Bob Woolmer, Derek Underwood, and Tony Greig. In a touching tribute, invitations will be sent to their relatives so they can be part of the festivities. Cricket Australia's gesture mirrors the spirit of the 1977 fixture, where England arrived with a large entourage of past players. The qualification criteria for inviting more ex-England stars beyond the 1977 squad is yet to be determined.
This grand gesture ensures the 150th anniversary will be a fitting celebration, connecting the present-day game with the living legends who shaped its most cherished narratives.
