King Charles has been invited to attend the 150th anniversary Test between England and Australia in Melbourne next year, says Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg.
The Ashes rivals are playing a one-off match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground to mark the anniversary of the first Test ever played in 1877.
As head of state of the UK and Australia, Queen Elizabeth II attended the fifth day of the centenary Test in 1977 – a match also held in Melbourne.
Cricket Australia is also inviting every living captain of England and Australia, male or female, and every player who featured in 1977 to attend.
“We want to make it an occasion that celebrates the combat between England and Australia but more broadly celebrates Test cricket and the beauty of Test cricket,” Greenberg told Australia’s Channel 7.
The match will be played from 11 March, though there has been criticism of it being held as a day-night affair.
Greenberg said he has put a “bit of heat on” those at the MCG after the Boxing Day Test held there during this winter’s Ashes ended inside two days.
“I want to make sure we have a long Test match,” he said.
“It will be 12 months of me talking to them about the state of the wicket.”
England, who lost 4-1 to Australia in the Ashes this winter, are planning a warm-up match before the landmark Test.
They will travel to Australia following their two-Test tour of Bangladesh in February.
BBC Sport has contacted Buckingham Palace to ask if the King’s invitation will be accepted.
