21 May, 2025 | 03:52 PM
Darwin is set to welcome first-class cricket for the first time in nearly two decades as Australia A will host Sri Lanka A in a multi-format series this July. The tour will include three 50-over matches and two four-day games, marking another significant step in the Northern Territory’s revival as a venue for top-level cricket.
The series begins on July 4 with the first of the three 50-over matches at the Marrara Cricket Ground, followed by games on July 6 and 9 at the same venue. The first-class leg of the tour starts on July 13 with the opening four-day match scheduled to be held at Marrara Stadium — a venue that will also host the first two T20Is of Australia’s home series against South Africa in August.
This series will be the first first-class fixture in Darwin since 2006, when Australia A faced Pakistan A and India A took on New Zealand A. The upcoming matches are also expected to play a key role in assessing Marrara Stadium's suitability as a potential venue for one of the Tests against Bangladesh in 2026, which were rescheduled to northern Australia from their original March 2027 slot to accommodate the 150th anniversary Ashes Test at the MCG.
Cricket Australia’s Head of Cricket Operations and Scheduling, Peter Roach, hailed the announcement, calling it a valuable opportunity for developing players and a boost for year-round cricket in Australia.
“It’s fantastic to confirm a multi-format series which gives the next crop of emerging cricketers excellent development opportunities throughout the Australian winter,” Roach said.
“Darwin’s dry season weather between May and September offers both the Northern Territory and Australian Cricket an incredible winter opportunity which allows cricket to be played in Australia all year round.”
The Australia A squad for the series will be named in the coming weeks. It is expected to feature several up-and-coming players, with those currently involved in English county cricket likely to be left out. Among the names tipped for selection is Jason Sangha, fresh off a strong domestic season that helped South Australia win the Sheffield Shield.
Australia A are also set to travel to India in mid-September, where their schedule will include two more four-day matches.
Australia A vs Sri Lanka A Schedule – Darwin, 2025:
July 4: 1st 50-over match | Marrara Cricket Ground (Day/Night)
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
This series represents an exciting chapter for cricket in the Northern Territory and a vital platform for Australia’s next generation of cricketers to shine on home soil.
