International cricket returns to Darwin after 17 years with T20Is
What's the story
After 17 years, Darwin is set to return as an international cricket venue. Cricket Australia has penciled in two T20I matches against South Africa in August. The upcoming series includes three T20Is and three ODIs, with the first two T20Is set to be played in Darwin. The latter part of the series will be played in Cairns and Mackay, respectively. Here's more.
Historical context
Cricket's return to Darwin after 2008
This upcoming series will be the first time senior international cricket will be played in Darwin since the last two ODIs against Bangladesh in 2008. Cricket Australia's latest schedule lists TIO Stadium matches as unconfirmed, awaiting final agreements. "We're driven to bring international cricket back to the Northern Territory," NT Cricket CEO Gavin Dovey told AAP. "The last time we hosted international cricket was 2008 and that's far too long. The game has changed a lot since then," he added.
Cricket history
T20I matches to be held in Northern Territory
The upcoming series will also be the first men's T20Is to be played in the Northern Territory. So far, Australia have hosted 107 such matches. Since Darwin's last international match, 536 men's and women's games have been played across 27 venues in Australia.
Future prospects
Darwin's cricketing future looks promising
Since Darwin's last international match, 536 men's and women's games have been played across 27 venues in Australia. The August window could make for a more lucrative option for international cricket in the years to come. Dovey emphasized the advantages of this period for both Australian cricket and Northern Territory, and Cricket Australia's interest in capitalizing on it.
Information
Matches played at the TIO Stadium
The TIO Stadium has hosted two Tests between 2003 and 2004. The matches were played against Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, in which Australia were winners against both teams. According to ESPNcricinfo, the stadium has also hosted four ODIs, which were played against Bangladesh between 2003 and 2008. Notably, the hosts emerged victorious in these games too.