Minister for Education and Training Chris Burns, today joined NT Cricket CEO Andrew Ramsay to officially announce the Australian Cricket Team will hold practice sessions and games in the Territory this August.
Dr Burns said today’s announcement marks another important step forward for Territory Cricket and reinforces the Government and NT Cricket’s vision of establishing Darwin as a world class cricket destination during Australia’s winter months.
“It’s great to be able to announce today that the team arrives on 8 August for five days, and during that time will conduct training, community engagement sessions, and hold two practice Twenty20 matches,” Dr Burns said.
“The training format should allow unique access to the playing group for the public, with the practice matches providing a potential opportunity for talented emerging Territory cricketers to play alongside their cricket heroes.
“This visit will significantly help cricket to connect with classrooms, communities and clubs, which will also help to inspire the next generation of Territory players and fans.
“Getting the Australian Cricket team up to train and play in Darwin is part of the Henderson government’s commitment to bring top class sport to the Territory for families to enjoy as part of our Territory 2030 initiative.”
NT Cricket CEO, Andrew Ramsay, said having the Australian men’s cricket team using the Territory’s new first class cricket facilities at Marrara represents the realisation of a dream many people have been working towards for a long time.
“Having the Australian team play at Marrara Cricket Ground will be a great reward for several generations of cricket fans in the Territory who have worked hard to develop cricket to where it is today,” Mr Ramsay said.
“Our strong local competitions continue to produce exciting young players as we saw with the success of the NT’s Under 17 and Under 13 teams at last summer’s national championships.”
Mr Ramsay said the Northern Territory is growing in reputation as a venue for elite cricket and the new facilities will enhance NT’s reputation as a great place to play cricket.
“We are also looking forward to helping the Australian players connect with the local community. Game development is a key priority for us and this visit will help us to drive even more interest in cricket.”