Daijiworld Media Network – Melbourne
Melbourne, May 21: In what marks a historic revival for Northern Territory cricket, Darwin is all set to host its first first-class cricket match in 19 years, as Australia A will take on Sri Lanka A in a multi-format series scheduled for July this year.
The city last witnessed red-ball action in 2006, when Australia A locked horns with Pakistan A, and India A clashed with New Zealand A. Now, after almost two decades, the return of first-class cricket to the Top End signals a renewed commitment to expanding the sport beyond its traditional venues.
As per Cricket Australia (CA), the much-anticipated series will include three 50-over matches followed by two four-day games, all set to be played at Darwin’s Marrara Cricket Complex.
The first four-day game, scheduled from July 13 to 16, will be held at Marrara Stadium on a drop-in pitch, a move that holds greater significance. The venue is being assessed for its suitability to host one of two Tests against Bangladesh in 2026, which were rescheduled from 2027 to make room for the MCG’s 150th-anniversary Test.
Cricket Australia’s Head of Operations and Scheduling, Peter Roach, expressed optimism about Darwin’s cricketing future.
"This series offers a golden opportunity for emerging talent to gain crucial exposure during the Australian winter. Darwin’s dry season from May to September presents ideal playing conditions that enable year-round cricket," Roach said, speaking to ESPNcricinfo.
The Australia A squad, yet to be officially announced, is expected to feature young prospects and fringe players, especially with several seasoned cricketers engaged in county cricket in England. Names like Jason Sangha, who played a pivotal role in South Australia’s Sheffield Shield victory, are already being floated as probable picks.
- July 4 – 1st 50-over match (Day-Night), Marrara Cricket Ground
- July 6 – 2nd 50-over match, Marrara Cricket Ground
- July 9 – 3rd 50-over match, Marrara Cricket Ground
- July 13–16 – 1st four-day match, Marrara Stadium
- July 20–23 – 2nd four-day match, Marrara Cricket Ground
In addition to the ‘A’ series, Darwin will also play host to the first two T20Is of Australia’s home series against South Africa in August, further cementing its re-emergence on the national cricket map.
After wrapping up this home assignment, Australia A will head to India in September for a red-ball tour involving two four-day games.
With renewed energy, a focus on development, and strategic scheduling, Darwin’s return to the red-ball arena is not just a nostalgic nod, but a forward-looking step in Australian cricket’s evolving roadmap.