Australia A Series Returns First-Class Cricket to Darwin

Australia A vs Sri Lanka A Series Returns First-Class Cricket to Darwin

Australia A to Host Sri Lanka A in Multi-Format Series in Darwin

Darwin, May 20, 2025 – In a landmark move for winter cricket in Australia, first-class cricket will return to Darwin for the first time since 2006 as Australia A is set to host Sri Lanka A in a multi-format series in July 2025. The series, announced officially by Cricket Australia, will span three 50-over matches and two four-day fixtures, all taking place at the Marrara Cricket Ground and Marrara Stadium, with all matches streamed live via Kayo Sports and cricket.com.au.

The initiative aims to provide meaningful high-level cricket opportunities during Australia’s winter months while simultaneously strengthening development pathways for both nations ahead of the 2025–26 international season. For Darwin, this is not just a return of elite-level cricket, but a resurgence of its historical association with hosting elite contests in the offseason.

First-Class Cricket Returns to the Top End

After nearly two decades, Darwin will once again host first-class cricket, beginning July 13 when the first of two four-day matches between Australia A and Sri Lanka A begins at Marrara Stadium. The venue last hosted a red-ball contest in 2006, marking this return as both nostalgic and strategic.

Cricket Australia’s Head of Cricket Operations, Peter Roach, noted the significance of this decision: “It’s fantastic to confirm a multi-format series which gives the next crop of emerging cricketers excellent development opportunities throughout the Australian winter. Darwin’s dry season weather offers both the Northern Territory and Australian Cricket an incredible winter opportunity which allows cricket to be played all year round.”

This revival of Darwin’s cricket calendar aligns with CA’s broader strategy of decentralising fixtures and strengthening regional and seasonal flexibility across the country.

Format, Venues, and Fixture Breakdown

The Australia A vs Sri Lanka A series is scheduled to begin on July 4 and run through July 23, with matches distributed across day-night and traditional formats. All three 50-over matches will be played at the Marrara Cricket Ground, with the opening game set as a D/N fixture. The two four-day matches, including the marquee first-class fixture at Marrara Stadium from July 13 to 16, will offer selectors and fans a deeper look into red-ball prospects.

Match Schedule:

• July 4: First 50-over match | Marrara Cricket Ground (D/N)

• July 6: Second 50-over match | Marrara Cricket Ground

• July 9: Third 50-over match | Marrara Cricket Ground

• July 13–16: First four-day match | Marrara Stadium

• July 20–23: Second four-day match | Marrara Cricket Ground

All matches will be broadcast live on Kayo Sports and Cricket Australia’s official platform, providing nationwide access to the series and an opportunity for emerging players to make an impression on a larger audience.

Strategic Importance Ahead of Domestic and International Seasons

With the 2025–26 domestic summer fast approaching, this series becomes a vital preparatory phase for several Australia A hopefuls who are looking to break into the national side or secure state contracts. The timing also coincides with Sri Lanka A’s broader strategy of offering its young stars match time outside Asia, enhancing their adaptability in overseas conditions.

The exposure to both white-ball and red-ball cricket in a condensed format gives the coaching staff valuable insights into player temperament, technical prowess, and match awareness. It also serves as a critical touchpoint for selectors tracking progress ahead of Australia’s home summer, which kicks off with the Men’s T20I series against South Africa—also scheduled to be played in Darwin on August 10 and 12.

Ticketing, Fan Access, and Local Excitement

Ticket pre-sales for the 2025–26 international summer will begin on June 3, with general sale opening on June 13. Cricket Australia has urged fans to secure tickets early, particularly as Darwin’s cricket-loving population has been starved of international and elite-level action for years. The return of Australia A fixtures is expected to boost regional engagement, with local cricket hubs and school programs being aligned for fan outreach during the series.

Peter Roach added, “Hosting these matches, especially a match at Marrara Stadium, gives significant status to the series and shows our commitment to bringing top-tier cricket to all corners of Australia.”

The local government and sports authorities in the Northern Territory have long advocated for more off-season engagement, and this series validates those efforts, setting a precedent for future winter events in the Top End.

What’s Next: Squad Announcements and Preparation

The official Australia A squads are expected to be announced in the coming weeks. Selectors are likely to include a mix of Sheffield Shield performers, promising U23 talent, and fringe national players looking to cement their places. Given the return of first-class cricket, players like Will Sutherland, Henry Hunt, Teague Wyllie, and others might feature prominently in the red-ball setup.

Sri Lanka A’s squad will similarly be composed of emerging players, many of whom have been tested in recent domestic competitions and Lanka Premier League games. The competitive spirit of the A-series format continues to grow globally, and this series is another building block for bilateral depth development.