England could face Australia in one-off Test match in 2030 to mark 150 years since first meeting

The ECB are considering plans to host a one-off anniversary Test against Australia in 2030 to mark 150 years since the first Test in England.

The move would replicate plans, revealed last week, to play an anniversary Test at the MCG in March 2027 to celebrate 150 years since England and Australia first played a Test match, with Australia winning by 45 runs. 

The first Test in England took place in September 1880 at The Oval, where England won by five wickets.

The double anniversary has been marked before with a pair of one-off games separated by three years. 

In 1977, England travelled to Melbourne, where they lost the Centenary Test, also by 45 runs. In 1980, they drew with Australia at Lord’s.

England could face Ashes rivals Australia in a commemorative match marking their first clash at the Oval

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‘We need to be cognisant of player workloads and schedules, but those are the kind of opportunities we can look at,’ ECB chief executive Richard Gould told Mail Sport. 

‘It’s an interesting idea that should be explored more.’