Preparations are in full swing for the return of international cricket to Darwin, with two drop-in wickets now installed at TIO Stadium.The milestone comes as pre-sale tickets officially launch today for the Australia v South Africa T20 Internationals on 10 and 12 August, giving fans the opportunity to secure seats early for these long-awaited matches.
Adding to local excitement, proud Territorian Jake Weatherald returns home as a newly named member of the Australia A squad to play Sri Lanka A in a multi-format series in Darwin this July. The destructive left-hand opener earned selection off the back of a sensational 2024–25 Sheffield Shield season for Tasmania, where he scored a season-leading 906 runs, including three centuries, and was awarded the Ricky Ponting Medal as Tasmania’s standout player.
Australian Chair of Selectors George Bailey described Weatherald’s campaign as “dominant” and said the series in Darwin would give players an ideal opportunity to test themselves against international opposition.
“We are looking forward to bringing an Australia A series to Darwin and taking advantage of the Northern Territory’s winter cricket opportunity,” Bailey said.
Speaking at today’s media opportunity, Weatherald said:
“I'm immensely proud to be a Territorian. To be back here potentially playing some form of representative cricket is a cool moment.
“I think it’s a good representation of what young players can aspire to. Obviously, being from the Territory, you don’t always get that representation, so to actually see it happening live and in action is pretty cool. Hopefully it inspires more kids in the Northern Territory to play cricket and also aspire to play for Australia. That would be great.”
The Australia A series will feature three 50-over games and two four-day matches, with free entry for general public attendance and all matches streamed live on Kayo Sports and cricket.com.au. The full Australia A squad can be found at cricket.com.au.
Minister for People, Sport and Culture Jinson Charls said watching pitches being placed into the middle of TIO Stadium marked an exciting moment for the Territory.
“The drop-in wickets at TIO Stadium are a critical step toward delivering world-class matches for local fans, and it’s particularly exciting to see a homegrown talent such as Jake Weatherald return to represent Australia A right here in Darwin,” Mr Charls said.
“In our year of action, certainty and security, we’re incredibly proud to welcome international cricket back to the Territory and demonstrate that Darwin has the capability to host world-class sporting events.”
Minister for Major Events, Tourism and Hospitality Marie-Clare Boothby said major sporting events like international cricket provide a real boost to the Top End, delivering significant economic and social benefits.
“Major events like the Australia v South Africa T20s bring huge energy to our region, boosting tourism, business and community pride, while increasing our reputation as a top destination for sport.
“We are proud our government has brought back international cricket to the Northern Territory for the first time in 17 years. Events like this draw fans from across the country, and we look forward to seeing supporters from near and far pack TIO Stadium.”
NT Cricket CEO Gavin Dovey said the installation of the drop-in wickets signalled the world’s eyes would soon be on Darwin.
“International cricket offers the Territory a platform few sports can rival, thanks to its huge global audience and economic impact.”
“Closer to home, cricket sits at the heart of Australia’s national identity, so we can’t wait to see a packed out TIO Stadium in August.”
Tickets for the Australia v South Africa T20 Internationals are now available via pre-sale.
Here’s how to skip the queue:
1️⃣ Follow this link and enter your email in the ‘Register Your Interest’ section.
2️⃣ You will then receive a unique pre-sale code from Cricket Australia via email.
3️⃣ Use that unique code when you click through to the Darwin games on the Ticketek website to unlock pre-sale access and secure your seat.
TICKET INFORMATION
Australia A v Sri Lanka A series
Dates: 50 Over Fixtures (4, 6, 9 July) and 4-Day Fixtures (13-16 July, 20-23 July)
Venues: TIO Stadium and DXC Arena
Tickets: Free entry, open to the public
Broadcast: All matches live on Kayo Sports and cricket.com.au
Australia v South Africa T20 Internationals
Dates: Saturday 10 August and Tuesday 12 August
Venue: TIO Stadium, Darwin
Pre-sale tickets: Available now via Ticketek
General public on-sale: 13 June 2025
Broadcast: All matches live on Kayo Sports and Foxtel
Ticket prices:
Adult: $20
Child: $5
Family: $43 (2 adults, 2 children)