Amendment to Darwin Test and one-day international starting times

Cricket Australia today announced amendments to the starting times of Darwin's two international fixtures between Australia and Bangladesh, beginning with the first 3 Test at Marrara Oval on 18 July.

Upon the request of the series' broadcaster, the Nine Network, both the Test match (originally scheduled to commence at 1030) and the VB Series clash (originally scheduled to commence at 0945) on 6 August will begin at 0930 (Darwin time).

Cricket Australia Chief Executive Officer James Sutherland noted the change in starting times would enable Nine to maximise television coverage of Darwin's historic fixtures.

"After consultation with various series stakeholders, Cricket Australia has agreed to bring the start of play forward to cater for the Nine Network's programming requirements," Mr Sutherland said.

"This decision will ensure that cricket fans around the nation get to see as much coverage as possible of these historic matches," he said.

The hours of play and intervals for the second 3 Test at Bundaberg Rum Stadium in Cairns and further two one-day internationals at the same venue remain unchanged. The Test match begins at 1000, while the VB Series matches commence at 0930.

Hours of play and intervals - First 3 Test, 18-22 July, Marrara Oval, Darwin

Gates open at 0800
Session 1: 0930 -1130
Lunch: 1130 -1210
Session 2: 1210 -1410
Tea: 1410 -1430
Session 3: 1430 -1630

Hours of play and intervals - Third VB Series match, 6 August, Marrara Oval, Darwin

Gates open at 0745
Session 1: 0930 -1300
Lunch: 1300 -1345
Session 2: 1345 -1515

Following its two-wicket victory over the Commonwealth Bank Cricket Academy in Brisbane, Bangladesh will begin its final preparation for the Test with a four-day tour match against a Northern Territory Chief Minister's XI, beginning this Thursday 10 July at Marrara Oval.

The 13-man Australian squad is scheduled to assemble in Darwin on Sunday 15 July.

Ticket Information

Tickets for Darwin's international fixtures (the first 3 Test, 18-22 July, and VB Series match, 6 August) can be purchased at the following outlets:

Darwin City Information Booth
Smith Street Mall

Darwin Entertainment Centre Box Office
93 Mitchell Street
Darwin NT 0800
Tel: (08) 8980 3333

Keith Kemp's Sportsworld
Casuarina Square
247 Trower Road
Casuarina NT 0810
Tel: (08) 8927 1706

The Palmerston Sports Club
3 Maluka Street
Gunn NT 0832
Tel: (08) 8932 9500

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Katherine Terrace
Katherine NT 0850
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