20 May 2021

Manuka to host Women's Ashes, more international fixtures

| Dominic Giannini
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Cricket under lights at Manuka Oval

Cricket will return to Manuka Oval this summer. Photo: Michael Weaver.

The Women’s Ashes will be coming to Manuka Oval as Australia prepares its title defence against England.

Canberra will host the single test match between 27 January and 30 January 2022, marking the first women’s international test match to be played at the venue.

The New Zealand Black Caps will also be heading to Manuka for a men’s T20 match on 8 February.

The Prime Minister’s XI will also return to Manuka this summer after being put on hold last year due to COVID-19, but the details have not yet been released.

The Prime Minister’s XI is an annual match against an overseas touring team, usually made up of up and coming grade cricketers from the Canberra region, handpicked by the Prime Minister.

Olivia Thornton

CEO of Cricket ACT Olivia Thornton has welcomed the return of cricket to Manuka Oval. Photo: Supplied.

Cricket ACT CEO Olivia Thornton said Manuka Oval has demonstrated time and time again that it is one of the best boutique cricket grounds in the country.

It became Australia’s 11th test match venue in 2019 when it hosted a men’s fixtures between Australia and Sri Lanka but hasn’t seen a test match since.

Ms Thornton said it was fitting Manuka continues to attract top quality fixtures each year.

“We do not underestimate the importance of giving local fans the opportunity to watch their favourite Australian players in action in their own backyard,” she said.

“After one of our biggest summers last year, we have seen a significant increase in our school participation numbers which proves that access to top-level cricket has the power to inspire the younger generation to play and love cricket.”

READ ALSO Olivia Thornton’s appointment as Cricket ACT’s first female CEO has been years in the making

Chief Minister Andrew Barr said he was delighted to host the international fixtures and once again “give Canberrans and our visitors the chance to enjoy first-class cricket”.

The full list of international fixtures can be found at Cricket Australia.

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