Eleven players selected to represent a Cricket Australia XI against Bangladesh in Darwin next week have previously featured in the Study NT Top End T20 Series, highlighting the benefit to Australian cricket of the Northern Territory’s unique winter cricket opportunity.
Five members of the 14-player CA XI Squad have also played in the Premier Grade of the Darwin and Districts Cricket Competition, including Darwin-raised fast bowler Tom Menzies.
The CA XI Squad will face Bangladesh in a three-day warm up match at DXC Arena from 6 to 8 August, giving the visiting international team additional preparation ahead of the 1st NRMA Insurance Test Match against Australia beginning on Thursday 13 August.
Northern Territory Cricket CEO Gavin Dovey said the squad was the latest example of the elevated role the NT can play in the sport.
"To have 11 of the 14 selected players return to Darwin with experience in the Study NT Top End T20 Series is a strong reflection of the calibre of cricket being played in the Territory.
"The Australian Football League (AFL) and National Rugby League (NRL) continue to expand their seasons outside of their traditional windows, and the Northern Territory’s beautiful April to September dry season weather allows cricket to expand its schedule and play all year round.
"Whether it is talent development or the commercial footprint of the sport, the ability to play cricket 365 days a year is a valuable asset and one we’re excited to keep working on in partnership with Cricket Australia and the Northern Territory Government."
The Territory connections within the Cricket Australia XI include:
Study NT Top End T20 Series and DDCC
Hanno Jacobs: Adelaide Strikers and ACT Comets (Nightcliff Cricket Club)
Jake Doran: Tasmania and Hobart Hurricanes (Tracy Village Cricket Club)
Tom Menzies: NT Strike (Darwin Cricket Club)
Xavier Crone: Melbourne Renegades (Southern Districts Cricket Club)
Noah McFadyen: Adelaide Strikers (Waratah Cricket Club)
Study NT Top End T20 Series
Campbell Kellaway: Melbourne Stars
Campbell Thompson: Adelaide Strikers
Corey Rocchiccioli: Perth Scorchers
Jerrssis Wadia: Adelaide Strikers
Teague Wyllie: Perth Scorchers
Tom Rogers: Melbourne Stars
The CA XI tour match is free entry and will provide Territory cricket supporters an opportunity to watch emerging Australian players including Sam Konstas, Campbell Kellaway and Teague Wyllie, alongside experienced domestic players Kurtis Patterson, Josh Philippe, Jake Doran and Corey Rocchiccioli.
The CA XI fixture begins a major month of cricket in Darwin, followed by the NRMA Insurance Test between Australia and Bangladesh from 13 to 17 August.
The Study NT Top End T20 Series will then return from 21 to 30 August, featuring 9 teams and 30 matches across 10 days.
Cricket Australia XI v Bangladesh
Thursday, 6 August to Saturday, 8 August
DXC Arena, Marrara
10.00am start each day
Entry is free