Minister Barr: International Test Cricket comes to Canberra
- Written by ACT Government
Released 20/04/2016
I am delighted to announce that Canberra will host its first ever Test match in the summer of 2018-19, ensuring Canberrans will soon enjoy even more blockbuster cricket at Manuka Oval.
The ACT Government has been working towards the goal of hosting international test cricket in Canberra for many years. It is a significant win not only for Canberra cricket fans, but the broader community who will benefit from the increased coverage of our city during the test match and a boost to the local economy.
Australia will take on Sri Lanka in this Test, which will replace the Men’s One Day International (ODI) match scheduled for 2018-19 as part of the ACT Government’s four year agreement with Cricket Australia.
We are committed to ongoing investment in sport in the Territory, and we have invested significantly in Manuka Oval in recent years to ensure that the venue is well placed to host test match cricket.
Canberra has proven itself an ideal city for hosting world class sporting events. For cricket alone, over the past couple of summers we have hosted men’s and women’s One Day International games, the Cricket World Cup and year after year we host a successful Prime Minister’s XI.
All of these games have been supported by big and enthusiastic crowds, which has lead Cricket Australia to making this decision.
Earlier today we also announced that New Zealand will be playing a One Day International match against Australia at Manuka Oval for the first time during the 2016-17 season Chappell-Hadlee series.
This match comes in time to take advantage of direct flights between Wellington and Canberra which kick off in September. Following successful negotiations between the ACT Government and Singapore Airlines the flights are a gamechanger for our city , and will further encourage visitation to our region.
New Zealanders will be able to fly directly to Canberra to watch this ODI, and to enjoy world-class cricket at one of the best boutique sporting venues in Australia.
Manuka Oval joins the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) and Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) as the only venues to host the Australia-New Zealand ODI Series this summer, which is yet another vote of confidence in our city as a destination for elite cricket.
- Statement ends -
Section: Andrew Barr, MLA | Media Releases
