Dettol become naming-rights sponsor of Australia men's ODIs and T20Is

In a sponsorship deal fitting for the times, Dettol has become the naming-rights partner for the Australia men's ODI and T20I series as part of a four-year deal.

They replace Gillette, the previous title sponsors for men's limited-overs matches, in a deal that also will see them be the naming partner of the men's support staff - previously Bupa - and also have an association with the women's team.

The brand contacted Cricket Australia after hearing of its plans to trial disinfectant on cricket balls following the onset of Covid-19 earlier this year. The use of saliva has been banned and while sweat is still permitted at international level the Australia team faced stricter protocols on the recent tour of England which limited where they could use it from.

In the current women's series between Australia and New Zealand, which is being watched by a limited number of spectators, if the ball gets into the crowd it needs to be sanitised by the umpires before play resumes.

As part of the new deal the company will also supply its product to nearly 3,500 cricket clubs around Australia as the game resumes for the summer amid a range of new health and safety protocols.

"Dettol is such a well-known and trusted brand with a long heritage, both here in Australia and around the world, and their support will give confidence about protecting the return of community and elite cricket this summer," the Cricket Australia CEO, Nick Hockley, said.

"Beyond this summer, we look forward to working with Dettol to help embed hygienic behavioural change into schools, clubs and communities through cricket."

Dave Rankine, Regional director for RB Health ANZ, owner of the Dettol brand, said: "We're excited to bring the expertise of Dettol to Cricket Australia, partnering together to protect the sport so many Australian's love, from watching our national teams play, to participating in games ourselves through community clubs. Our partnership with Cricket Australia will help to embed important hygiene habits into the lives all Australians as we enter the new normal."

Following the postponement of New Zealand's short limited-overs tour to Australia that was scheduled for late January, due to the issues around mandatory quarantine, the only men's limited-overs series this season will be three ODIs and three T20Is against India.

It remains to be confirmed how India's tour is finally structured, but the trip is expected to begin with some white-ball cricket before the Test series begins in mid-December.

Earlier this month Vodafone signed on as the naming partner for men's Test cricket.