As the Northern Territory prepares for the welcome return of international cricket for the first time since 2008 in August, the dedicated turf management team at NT Cricket led by the world class Jake Pavlich and Angus Vear have installed two drop-in wickets at TIO Stadium (pictured right) in Darwin. 

With plenty of skill and precision, Pavlich and Vear, alongside his crew of Bevan Maher, Blake Gilbert and Justin Galeotti recently laid the two new pitches into the centre of the multipurpose stadium as cricket fever begins to take hold in The Top End.

Australia hosts South Africa in two men’s Twenty20 internationals at TIO Stadium on August 10 and August 12, which will open up a blockbuster Australian summer of cricket. Cricket officials are attracted to the Top End through Darwin’s dry season between May and September and view the stadium as a long-term option to stage international cricket.

NT Cricket CEO Gavin Dovey said the installation of the drop-in wickets was a critical moment in what the Territory can offer the international sporting scene.

“International cricket offers the Territory a platform few sports can rival, thanks to its huge global audience and economic impact,” he said.

“Closer to home, cricket sits at the heart of Australia’s national identity, so we can’t wait to see a packed out TIO Stadium in August.”

TIO Stadium’s newly laid playing surface will first be put to the test ahead of international cricket’s return in August when Australia A hosts Sri Lanka A in a four-day match from July 13-16, with the stadium also expected to be considered to host Bangladesh in a Test match in August 2026, having been moved from March 2027 due to the 150th anniversary Test between Australia and England at the MCG.

Minister for People, Sport and Culture Jinson Charls said drop-in pitches being placed into the middle of TIO Stadium marked an exciting moment for cricket in Australia and the Top End.

“The drop-in wickets at TIO Stadium are a critical step toward delivering world-class matches for local fans, and it’s particularly exciting to see a homegrown talent such as Jake Weatherald return to represent Australia A right here in Darwin,” Charls said. “In our year of action, certainty and security, we’re incredibly proud to welcome international cricket back to the Territory and demonstrate that Darwin has the capability to host world-class sporting events.”

Tickets for the Australia v South Africa T20 matches are now available via pre-sale.

Story by Nick Creely/ Pictures courtesy of NT Cricket