Prime Minister’s XI to Feature in 150th Anniversary Test Preparations
The Prime Minister’s XI will be played at Melbourne’s Junction Oval from 4-6 March 2027 as part of the celebrations surrounding the 150th Anniversary Test Match.
The day-night match will see the Prime Minister’s XI take on England just one week before the 150th Anniversary Test at the MCG from 11-15 March 2027.
The fixture will be the first time in the 75-year history of the Prime Minister’s XI that the match has been played in Melbourne. This reflects the significance of the 150th Anniversary Test and will provide England with an opportunity to prepare in Melbourne with a pink ball ahead of the landmark Test.
The match forms part of a broader festival of cricket for the 150th Anniversary Test, with the Australian Women’s team also set to play New Zealand in two One Day Internationals at Junction Oval on Monday 8 March and Wednesday 10 March.
Since its establishment in 1951 under Prime Minister Sir Robert Menzies, the Prime Minister’s XI has become an enduring tradition, bringing together some of the country’s best emerging and established talent to take on touring international sides.
The PM’s XI has played the Marylebone Cricket Club (under which England initially toured) and England on 14 previous occasions, with the most recent match held in November 2025.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will again join Australian selectors to assist in selecting the Prime Minister’s XI squad.
Anthony Albanese, Prime Minister, said:
“I’m delighted the Prime Minister’s XI will once again take on England and play an important role in the lead-up to the 150th Anniversary Test.
“The Prime Minister’s XI match has a proud place in Australian cricket history and it’s fitting the XI will take on the best England can throw at us ahead of the one-off Test.
“The 150th Anniversary Test will be a special occasion for cricket fans across Australia and around the world, and I look forward to helping select a Prime Minister’s XI that will provide a terrific contest in the lead-up to that historic match.”
Todd Greenberg, CA CEO said:
“The Prime Minister’s XI match is a fantastic part of the summer schedule, and we are really pleased it will be part of the festivities surrounding the 150th Anniversary Test.
“Playing the match under lights in Melbourne will give the PM’s XI fantastic exposure during what will be an exciting time for cricket.
“We are confident there will be big crowds at the Junction Oval to see the PM’s XI take on a full-strength England team as they prepare for the challenge of facing Australia in the 150th Anniversary Test match.
“We thank Prime Minister Albanese for his ongoing support of this cherished fixture and for his strong support of Australian cricket more broadly.”
ENDS
