Australia will host England in a historic four-day pink-ball women’s Ashes Test at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in January 2025. This match will mark the 90th anniversary of the first women’s Test series between the two nations.
The multi-format women’s Ashes series will kick off Australia’s home summer, which also includes a T20I series against New Zealand, a three-match ODI series against India, and the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh.
The MCG Test will be the first women’s Test played at the venue since 1948-49 and will also be the first women’s international match since the 2020 T20 World Cup final.
Australian all-rounder Ellyse Perry expressed her excitement about the fixture, recognizing its historical significance and the potential it holds for the growth of women’s cricket.
However, the debate continues over whether four-day or five-day cricket is the optimal format for women’s Tests. Perry believes more quantifiable data is needed to determine the most effective approach.
Cricket Australia (CA) remains committed to four-day games, citing the need to improve Test cricket and attract more fans. CA’s head of scheduling, Peter Roach, emphasized the importance of finding the right balance and outcome for women’s cricket.
Despite Australia’s preference for the WACA ground, the MCG’s similar pace and bounce in recent men’s Tests made it an ideal choice for this historic occasion.
Perry highlighted the team’s connection to past players and the importance of recognizing the history of women’s cricket. She mentioned the 50th anniversary celebration of the 1973 women’s World Cup team and the presence of former players at the 2020 World Cup final.
