Chalien Dantes / Contributor

King Charles has been invited to witness history as England and Australia prepare to celebrate the 150th anniversary of their first Test match in 1877 with a one off clash at the Melbourne Cricket Ground next year. 

The game, running from March 11^th, follows in the footsteps of Queen Elizabeth II, who attended the centenary Test in Melbourne in 1977.

Cricket Australia is rolling out the red carpet, inviting every living captain and player from both nations who played in 1977, regardless of gender, to join the celebrations. While the match will be held as a day/night fixture, a choice that has drawn some criticism, officials are confident the historic showdown will live up to the occasion.

England, fresh off a 4-1 Ashes loss this winter, are scheduled for a warm-up match before the anniversary Test and will arrive in Australia following their two Test tour of Bangladesh in February.