Last Updated on 3 months by Charbel Coorey
South Africa are touring Australia for a bilateral white-ball series for the first time since 2018. This time, the matches will be played at Marrara Oval in Darwin, Cazalys Stadium in Cairns, and Great Barrier Reef in Mackay; a shift away from the usual SCG, MCG and the like we’ve become accustomed to over the years.
It is currently winter in Australia and it is rare to see internationals being played in the country in August. In 2022, Australia hosted Zimbabwe and New Zealand in August and September, and those matches were also played in the northern regions. Before that, Australia’s men’s team hadn’t played a home international at this time of year since the the three ODIs against Bangladesh in Darwin in 2008.
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Australia vs South Africa series to take place in lesser-known grounds in northern Australia
Why the Australia-South Africa matches will be taking place at these lesser-known venues is two-fold.
First, it is much warmer and drier in Darwin, Cairns, and Mackay than further south including Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide. In fact, Darwin has top temperatures of 31-32 degrees every day even in the winter months. Cairns is in the mid-20s, while Mackay is cooler in the lower 20s.
Also, the cold winter climate in cities like Sydney and Melbourne is not suitable for cricket. Sydney, for example, has shivered through very cold temperatures and plenty of rain this winter. More rain is forecast this weekend.
Second, the major cricket grounds in Australia, namely the SCG, MCG, Gabba, Adelaide Oval and Perth’s Optus Stadium are all occupied by Australian Rules Football, also known as the Australian Football League (AFL). These grounds all have multi-million dollar contracts with the AFL and getting the grounds ready for cricket matches during this time is not feasible.
AFL, along with the National Rugby League (NRL), are the sporting codes that garner the most attention in the winter months. Sport in the major capital cities is very seasonal, with footy the talk of the town until cricket fever takes over when summer arrives.
Also, fans up north have a rare opportunity to witness international cricket. The first T20I in Darwin on Sunday August 10 is reportedly sold out. Tickets are selling fast for the second T20I at Marrara Cricket Ground as well.
Australia vs South Africa tour schedule:
T20Is:
- August 10: First T20I, Marrara Stadium, Darwin, 7pm AEST
- August 12: Second T20I, Marrara Stadium, Darwin, 7pm AEST
- August 16: Third T20I, Cazalys Stadium, Cairns, 7pm AEST
ODIs:
- August 19: First ODI, Cazalys Stadium, Cairns, 2:30pm AEST
- August 22: Second ODI, Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay, 2:30pm AEST
- August 24: Third ODI, Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay, 2:30pm AEST
