Countdown to historic Women's Ashes Day-Night Test begins

Australia captain Alyssa Healy and vice-captain Tahlia McGrath are preparing to light up the MCG as the countdown to the historic CommBank Women’s Ashes Day-Night Test Match begins.

Healy and McGrath were at the MCG on Monday, July 29 to mark six months to go until Australia and England play in the first-ever day-night Test at the stadium between January 30 – February 2, 2025. The match coincides with the 90th anniversary of the first ever women’s Test Match at the MCG, which was the third Test of the Australia-England series in 1934-35. Australia captain Alyssa Healy said: “We can’t wait to play the first-ever day-night Test at MCG. It’s going to be a special occasion as we honour the 90th anniversary of the first women’s Test series under lights at this iconic venue.

“We are preparing for a big summer including the ICC T20 World Cup in Bangladesh, white ball series at home against New Zealand and India, culminating with the multi-format Ashes series. We hope the Australian fans get behind us as we take on some tough rivals this summer.”

Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley said, “It’s amazing to think that in just six months our brilliant Australian Women’s team will light up the MCG for the historic first day-night Test at the world-renowned venue. 

“The Women’s Ashes will not only be a great sporting event between fierce rivals, it will add to the list of iconic sporting events held in Melbourne, and I’m grateful to the Victorian Government and the Melbourne Cricket Club for their strong support.

“Our women's team is one of the most successful in sporting history, and this series promises to be a landmark occasion for Australian sport.”

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Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos said, "No stadium in Australia can provide a bigger crowd than the MCG – it’s the perfect place for this historic Test Match and to mark this momentous occasion. 

‘‘These landmark sporting events provide a huge boost to our local economy, filling our hotels, bars, restaurants, and creating a great buzz in the city.’’

Melbourne Cricket Club, manager of the MCG, CEO Stuart Fox said: “The MCG hosted the first-ever international Test Match in 1877, the first-ever One-Day International match in 1971 and saw over 86,000 for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Final between Australia and India in 2020.

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“Now we have the opportunity to host our first-ever day-night Test, which is sure to become another important moment in the MCG’s storied history. It is extremely special that this milestone falls with a Women’s Ashes Test, a series beloved at the MCG, and while marking the 90th anniversary of hosting our first Women’s Test.”