Women’s Test cricket set to return to the MCG for first time in over 75 years

March 26, 2024

The Melbourne Cricket Ground has announced that it will stage the Women’s Ashes from 30th January to 2nd February next year, with the match set to be the first women’s Test at the venue since 1949.

The single Test will also mark 90 years since the first women’s Test series between Australia and England in 1934/1935.

Unveiling the venue’s international cricket fixtures across the 2024/25 summer including an historic first ever day-night Test match, Melbourne Cricket Club Chief Executive, Stuart Fox said hosting the day-night Test is a significant announcement in the MCG’s history while the return of India to the Boxing Day Test will reignite a great rivalry.

Fox explained “we are thrilled with Cricket Australia's announcement and we can't wait to be a part of this special summer of cricket.

“It's been over 75 years since a women's Test match was played here at the MCG and we can't wait to welcome Australia and England back onto the hallowed turf for a historic day-night Test - the first in the stadium's history.”

Looking back on the 2020 ICC Women's T20 World Cup Final, also staged at the MCG, Fox noted “(it) was an incredible event for us - this set a new record for a female sporting match at the 'G and we hope to see Australia and England set a new benchmark for attendance at a women's Test match.”

Australia’s Test cricket schedule at the MCG for the international summer will sees Australia face Pakistan in a day-night ODI before the home team return to face India and contest the Border-Gavaskar Trophy from 26th December, with the visitors making a welcome return to the Boxing Day Test for the first time since 2020.

Image: The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Final held at the MCG on Sunday 8th March 2020, which saw Australia defeat India in an 85-run victory, concluding with a post-match concert from international pop star Katy Perry, was attended by 86,174 people, setting a benchmark for both national and international cricket. Credit: The MCG.

14th March 2024 - MCG introduces major security upgrades ahead of AFL season opener

26th February 2024 - MCG links with 24/7 Software to improve venue security

12th February 2024 - AFL to freeze general admission ticket prices at the MCG and Marvel Stadium for 2024 season

7th February 2024 - Quayclean secures MCG cleaning contract

8th January 2024 - Cricket Australia advises that shortened BBL season attracts larger crowds

9th November 2023 - MCG to host second game in 2024 State of Origin series

26th October 2023 - Despite hosting T20 World Cup Cricket Australia records $16.9 million loss in last financial year

20th March 2023 - Hawthorn FC and Campaignware deliver unique fan activation for AFL Round 1 at the MCG

17th February 2023 - AFL announces price freeze on general admission tickets at MCG and Marvel Stadium

25th September 2022 - AFL Grand Final’s MCG return welcomes largest crowd since 1971

23rd October 2020 - ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020 secures top event awards

23rd June 2020 - ICC says T20 Women’s World Cup 2020 broke viewing records for female sport

8th March 2020 - MCG hosts T20 Women’s World Cup Final on International Women’s Day

22nd December 2019 - ICC continues partnership with UNICEF for Women’s T20 World Cup 2020

15th October 2019 - Cricket Australia makes commitment to Women’s T20 World Cup pay parity

Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.

Click here to view our subscription options.