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

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.