Drop-in pitches laid down as international cricket to return to Darwin for first time in 17 years
Cricket fever is ramping up in the NT with tickets going live for the return of the international game in August, as two drop-in wickets have been installed at TIO Stadium.
International cricket was last played in Darwin 17 years ago when Australia took on Bangladesh, but this year the team finally returns for two blockbuster T20s against South Africa.
Fans will have the chance to book the best seats in the house for the matches on August 10 and 12 at Ticketek with thousands already expressing interest on pre-sales.
Ticket prices are $20 for adults, $5 for children and $43 for families of four.
Prior to that series the Australia A side, featuring Territorian Jake Weatherald, will take centre stage against Sri Lanka in July.
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.
Weatherald was the leading run scorer in the Sheffield Shield with 906 runs and is the all-time leading run scorer for the Adelaide Strikers, with recent exposure to TIO at last year's Top End Series.
'I'm just immensely proud to be a Territorian and get to play for Australia in some facet, it's going to be cool to play on the ground as it's such a great facility,' he said.
'I watched test cricket here long ago when I was a young kid so to be back here representing myself is a critical moment for me.
'The stuff that has been done to support the growth of NT cricket is exciting and to have the teams coming that we do will be cool for Territorians to see, they've been starving for a long time now.
'For young Territorians it's good representation of what you can aspire to be, you don't always get that so hopefully it inspires a lot of kids to play more cricket and aspire to play for Australia.'
NT Cricket chief executive Gavin Dovey said it was an exciting year for the sport in the Top End following the recent visit from the Australian women's side.
'The installation of the two drop in wickets marks a significant milestone in the return of international cricket,' he said.
'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.'
People, Sport and Culture minister Jinson Charls said the drop-in pitches was a critical step toward delivering world-class matches to the NT.
'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,' he said.
Major Events, Tourism and Hospitality minister Marie-Clare Boothby said major sporting events like international cricket provide a real boost to the Top End.
'Major events like the Australia v South Africa T20s bring huge energy to our region, boosting tourism, business and community pride,' she said.
'We are proud our government has brought back international cricket to the NT 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.'
Originally published as Drop-in pitches laid down as international cricket to return to Darwin for first time in 17 years
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