Australia and England to play a Test in India, surprising reason behind proposal is a sad one

Australia and England are open to exploring an unprecedented Test match in India as discussions emerge over new ways to strengthen the future of red-ball cricket.

Profile

Sports Tak

UPDATED:

google-icon
Australia and England to play a Test in India, surprising reason behind proposal is a sad one

Pat Cummins and Harry Brook in the frame (Getty)

Story Highlights:

Cricket Australia chief Todd Greenberg said the possibility of Australia and England playing a Test in India remains open for consideration.

The proposal comes amid growing concerns over declining interest in Test cricket, with administrators exploring new ways to strengthen the format globally.

Australia and England could one day take their iconic Test rivalry to Indian soil as part of an effort to revive interest in the longest format of the game. While no formal plans are in place, Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg believes the idea should remain open for consideration if it helps strengthen Test cricket in one of the sport's biggest markets.

Traditionally, Australia and England only meet in Test cricket during the Ashes, with the series played on a home-and-away basis approximately every four years. However, discussions around expanding the rivalry beyond its conventional format have gathered momentum ahead of a landmark clash scheduled in 2027.

Also Readlyer reveals Sooryavanshi's mindset following record-breaking fifty in India's winning cause vs Zimbabwe

Cricket Australia open to India-hosted Test

Speaking to BBC Sport, Greenberg said Australia would be willing to explore the possibility of staging a Test against England in India if the opportunity arose.

He stressed that while Cricket Australia is not actively planning such a fixture, the governing body remains open to considering different ideas that could help grow Test cricket globally.

"It's not something that we are planning, but it's open for consideration. We'd have to be open to considering all options."

Greenberg also highlighted Cricket Australia's strong working relationship with both the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

"Our relationship with the ECB and the BCCI is very strong and clearly there are opportunities in India to put more content in certain areas."

Proposal aimed at reviving interest in Test cricket

Australia and England are already set to play a one-off Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in March 2027 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the first-ever Test match between the two nations.

According to Greenberg, taking one of cricket's biggest rivalries to India could help reignite interest in the traditional format at a time when T20 cricket and franchise leagues continue to dominate the calendar.

Cricket Australia is also looking to expand its presence in India beyond international cricket. The governing body is set to stage a Big Bash League match overseas for the first time when Melbourne Renegades face Perth Scorchers in Chennai later this year.

The move is part of a broader strategy to increase the competition's visibility in cricket's largest market.

Greenberg believes an England-Australia Test in India would generate significant excitement among fans.

"I think Test cricket between us, India and England is very strong and probably bucking the trend in some other parts of the world. We want to make sure we grow and strengthen it."

Also ReadShreyas Iyer's happiness knows no bounds after recording 1st win as India's T20I captain post crushing Zimbabwe

Although the proposal remains only an idea for now, any such fixture would require the approval of both the ECB and the BCCI before becoming a reality.

    Share