Andrew Barr recently announced 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.
Mr. Barr said that 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.
Mr. Barr pointed out that 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.
Mr. Barr 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. Barr said that 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 game-changer for our city, and will further encourage visitation to our region.