Could the historic rivalry between Australia and England one day come to India? Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg has suggested that playing a Test between the Ashes rivals on Indian soil should not be ruled out; however, he said that no such plan is currently in place.
Greenberg said Cricket Australia was ‘open to all options’ as cricket authorities look for ways to enhance Test cricket as the T20 format has taken over from the traditional game of cricket.
“It’s not something that we are planning, but it’s open for consideration,” Greenberg said, adding that such a move would require the support of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
The Ashes are traditionally played between Australia and England in a five-Test series with the hosting rights alternating between the two nations. A Test between the two teams in India would be in stark contrast to the traditional home-and-away rivalry.
Greenberg suggested that India's huge cricket audience could bring new interest in the longest format. He said the relationship between Cricket Australia, ECB and BCCI was strong and that there could be opportunities to bring more international cricket content to India.
The idea comes as Cricket Australia explores how to market itself to Indian cricket fans. The board is already planning to play a Big Bash League match in Chennai, with that match set to become the first BBL match played in India.
Greenberg believes a Test between Australia and England in India could attract significant attention. While Test cricket has its challenges around the world, he said contests involving Australia, England and India still have a big audience.
The idea is special this time around because in March 2027 Australia and England are going to play a one-off Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground to celebrate the 150th anniversary of their first Test meeting. The match will take place under lights with a pink ball in a decision that has been criticized by traditionalists.
Greenberg defended the day-night format, saying the scheduling decision was to allow more people to see the historic match. A daytime Test, he said, would make it hard for someone who is at work or school to attend or follow the contest.
He also mentioned the commercial and broadcasting advantages of a pink-ball Test, particularly for viewers in the United Kingdom. Greenberg admitted that while the decision might upset traditionalists, he said the sport needed to attract more viewers.
The proposal of a possible Australia-England Test in India is still very much just an idea at this stage. No formal plan has been made and any such match would require agreement from the major cricket boards involved.
However, the discussion highlights the growing debate over the future of Test cricket. As T20 leagues continue to attract huge crowds and dominate cricket calendars, administrators are increasingly exploring new venues, formats and strategies to keep Test cricket relevant.
For now, the Ashes is a traditional rivalry between Australia and England. But if Greenberg's idea gains some traction in the future, Indian cricket fans could one day witness one of sport's most iconic Test games on home soil.
