Cricket Australia has ignited some fascinating debate as it stated it would look at holding a Test series between England and Australia in India, which could push one of cricket’s most enduring rivalries into new realms.
It’s a battle that usually takes place on home soil between Australia and England, but what Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg is looking for are new ideas to improve Test cricket’s global appeal. While no official match has been planned, Greenberg indicated that India might be a great place for the classic contest to be played.
If one were to propose a test match to be played in India, one would need to get the approval of the Australia, England, and Wales Cricket Board and the Board of Control for Cricket in India. But the ambitious idea may be achievable with a strong relationship between the three boards.
While India is the biggest commercial market for cricket, the popularity of Test cricket has declined as the popularity of the T20 tournaments has been on the rise, especially the Indian Premier League. A high-profile clash between Australia and England at the Indian home of cricket might draw massive crowds, TV viewers, and sponsorship interest—and expose the Ashes to a new generation of fans.
Cricket Australia has already done the market test in India. The Big Bash League has its first overseas match in December when Melbourne Renegades and Perth Scorchers take on the hosts in Chennai.
In March 2027, Australia and England will face off in a special one-off Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground to commemorate 150 years of their first Test meeting. The old head-to-head will be lit by the pink ball and will be played under lights, which is likely to create controversy among traditionalists.
Greenberg backed the day-night program, saying that evening shows would bring in more folks after work or from school, as well as make viewing easier for viewers in the United Kingdom.
Cricket Australia is also aiming for a flatter MCG pitch, as England’s last Test win at the venue was finished in two days.
An England vs. Australia Test in India might be just a possibility for the time being, but if it becomes a reality, it could prove to be a commercial sensation and one of the strangest Test matches in history.
