Darwin named as venue to host Australia A test that is to be played against Sri Lanka A in the month of July.
In July, Australia A will face Sri Lanka A, marking the return of first-class cricket to Darwin after a 19-year hiatus.
There will be two four-day matches and three 50-over matches in the Top End series. They are the most recent development in Darwin’s comeback to hosting elite cricket, as the city will host the first two Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) against South Africa in August.
The Marrara Stadium, which will host the two South Africa games the following month, will host the opening four-day encounter against Sri Lanka A on a drop-in surface.
The first-class match will also serve as a crucial test of the venue’s suitability to host one of the two Test matches against Bangladesh that are scheduled to take place in northern Australia in August 2026. These matches were originally scheduled for March 2027, but were rescheduled because of the 150th anniversary Test between Australia and England at the MCG.
The upcoming weeks will see the announcement of the Australia A team, which is anticipated to include a few less seasoned players. Those with county commitments in England are unlikely to be included. Those expected to be included include Jason Sangha, who was a key player in South Australia’s Sheffield Shield victory.
“It’s fantastic to confirm a multi-format series which gives the next crop of emerging cricketers excellent development opportunities throughout the Australian winter,” Peter Roach, CA’s head of cricket operations and scheduling, said.
“Darwin’s dry season weather between May and September offers both the Northern Territory and Australian Cricket an incredible winter opportunity which allows cricket to be played in Australia all-year round.”
First-class cricket was last played in Darwin in 2006, when India A played New Zealand A and Australia A played Pakistan A.
In mid-September, Australia A is scheduled to go to India, where two four-day matches are anticipated to be played.