First-class cricket returns to the Northern Territory for the first time since 2006, with Australia A scheduled to play a multi-format series against Sri Lanka A in July.
This marks the first appearance of a senior Australia A squad in first-class competition in the Top End since 2006, when Brad Haddin led a side featuring Shane Watson and Mitchell Johnson against Pakistan, captained by Misbah-ul-Haq.
The series holds added importance ahead of Australia’s upcoming Ashes campaign and runs concurrently with the senior team’s Tests in the West Indies. Local cricketer Jake Weatherald, who recently signed a two-year Big Bash League contract with the Hobart Hurricanes, has expressed interest in being selected, calling it an “amazing” opportunity to represent Australia A in his hometown.
Peter Roach, Cricket Australia’s Head of Cricket Operations and Scheduling, highlighted Darwin’s dry season as an ideal window to host winter cricket, offering year-round playing opportunities across the country.
In addition to the men’s series, Australia’s top women’s players will travel to Darwin next week for a training camp ahead of the ODI World Cup in India. Their visit will include a public engagement at Marrara Cricket Ground and a cultural tour of significant Indigenous sites.
The tour will include three one-day matches and two four-day first-class fixtures.