Mackay will maintain its place as Queensland’s leading international cricket destination with Great Barrier Reef Arena to host two games featuring Australia A.
Cricket: Aussie star Cameron Green proved he is worth every penny, smashing a century for the Mumbai Indians from just 47 balls.
The newly-redeveloped arena, which underwent a $25.1 million facelift to deliver a new covered grandstand, facilities for elite players, match officials, broadcast TV crews and ability to host up to 10,000 spectators, will host a four-day clash and one-day match in September. The project, a partnership between the Harrup Park Country Club, Mackay Cricket Association, the Queensland and Australian Governments, creates an international standard sporting venue capable of hosting major national and international matches and carnivals.
Cutting of the ribbon at the newly redeveloped Great Barrier Reef Arena. Tony Burke MP, Harrup Park chairman Terry Doolan, deputy premier Steven Miles, Julieanne Gilbert MP, and Stirling Hinchliffe MP. Saturday 20 May 2023 Picture: Michaela Harlow
And it will be put to the test when the venue hosts a day-night pink-ball match between Australia A and New Zealand A on September 4 to 7, as well as a 50-over game on Sunday, September 10.
The series, played before the Sheffield Shield season, will give those players a chance to push their case for selection in the 2023-24 summer of cricket, which features series against Pakistan and West Indies.
Cricket Australia Executive General Manager, High Performance and National Teams Ben Oliver said the development of the country’s next tier of players was a high priority.
“Australia A and National Under-19 opportunities are a key part of Cricket Australia’s strategic priorities for the next period,” Oliver said.
“Developing and extending our next tier of players is one of our highest priorities.
“We are delighted to be hosting reciprocal A series against NZ in 2023 and have a strong list of key series being planned for our male and female A and Under 19 squads.
“The squad is looking forward to playing at the newly developed Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay in a pink ball four-day match and one-day match, as well as utilising the always excellent facilities at Allan Border Field in Brisbane.”
Great Barrier Reef Arena has cemented its place as regional Queensland’s leading international cricket destination. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
Harrup Park Country Club and Mackay Cricket Association Chairman Terry Doolan said the venue’s upgrade and hosting of the international games would help promote the region as well as drive participation in Australia’s No. 1 summer sport.
“We are extremely grateful for the ongoing support we receive from Cricket Australia and can’t wait to be involved in what will be a fantastic series between Australia A and New Zealand A at the Great Barrier Reef Arena,” he said.
The announcement comes just weeks after it was revealed retired former Australian skipper Tim Paine would captain the Great Barrier Reef Rays in the Brisbane Preimer League.
Loading embed…