Cricket is more than just a sport in Australia – it’s a cultural experience! Whether you’re brand new to cricket or a lifelong fan, immersing yourself in the Australian cricket season is a fantastic way to enjoy your time in the country.
With plenty of exciting tournaments coming up, at some of Australia’s most iconic sporting venues, it’s the perfect time to dive in and get excited about the sport. Read on for all you need to know about cricket season in Australia.
Cricket 101: A brief overview of the sport
Cricket can be a little confusing if you’ve never watched it before, but don’t worry! Once you understand the basics, you’ll be cheering on your new favourite team in no time.
Cricket is played between two teams, each with 11 players. The main goal is to score more runs than the other team. One team starts by batting, trying to score as many runs as possible, while the other team fields and bowls to stop them.
After all the batters from the first team are out, or after a certain number of turns (called “overs”) are completed, the teams switch roles. The team that was fielding now gets to bat and tries to beat the other team’s score.
Your cricket cheat sheet
- Batsman: The player who hits the ball to score runs.
- Bowler: The player who bowls (throws) the ball to the batsman.
- Wicket: The target behind the batsman that the bowler aims to hit. It’s made of three wooden stumps, with two smaller wooden sticks, or ‘bails’ on top.
- Over: A set of six balls bowled by the same bowler.
- Innings: A team’s turn to bat.
- Run: The score achieved by the batsman running between the wickets or hitting the ball to the boundary.
Cricket has a deep cultural significance in Australia. It’s a sport embedded in the nation’s identity, dating back to the 19th century. Australia’s national cricket team is one of the most successful teams in the world. Known for their competitive spirit and strong skills, Australia has won the ICC Cricket World Cup six times, more than any other nation.
Australia’s cricket history is filled with legendary players like Ellyse Perry, the first player to score 1,000 runs and take 100 wickets in Twenty20 international games, and Sir Donald Bradman (or ‘the Don’), widely regarded as the greatest cricketer of all time.
Key matches and tournaments
Australia’s cricket season is packed, with many exciting tournaments and matches happening across the summer.
The Ashes: December–January
If there’s one series that cricket fans can’t afford to miss, it’s the Ashes. Played between Australia and England, the Ashes is a historic rivalry that dates back to 1882 (which Australia won, of course).
This five-match Test series alternates between the two nations, and when it’s hosted in Australia, it draws massive crowds and attention. The matches can last up to five days, so it’s the perfect way to fully immerse yourself in the traditional format of the game.
Big Bash League (BBL): December–February
If you’re looking for a faster-paced version of the sport, the Big Bash League (BBL) is for you. The BBL is a Twenty20 (T20) competition, where each team has only 20 overs to bat, resulting in explosive, action-packed games with lots of big hits and classic catches.
The shorter format is easy to follow, even for beginners, and it makes for a fun night out with your friends. Matches are played multiple times a week, so make sure to head down to your local stadium!
One-Day International Matches: October–March
Australia hosts several international one-day matches throughout the summer. One-day games, often called ‘One Dayers’ by Aussie fans, are played over 50 overs per side.
One Dayers are a perfect middle ground between the long Test format and the fast-paced T20 games. You’ll get to see Australia compete against teams from all over the world, with thrilling matches filled with big hits and dramatic finishes.
Iconic cricket venues in Australia
Watching cricket live at one of Australia’s legendary stadiums is an unforgettable experience. Here are some venues you should consider visiting:
Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)
Known as the ‘G, the MCG is one of the most iconic cricket grounds in the world. It hosts the annual Boxing Day Test, a tradition that attracts tens of thousands of fans. If you’re in Melbourne, this venue is a must-visit.
Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG)
Another historic ground, the SCG is famous for hosting the New Year’s Test. With its rich history and intimate atmosphere, it’s a great place to watch a match.
Adelaide Oval
Known for its mix of modern and historic architecture, its famous scoreboard and its stunning sunsets, Adelaide Oval is one of the most beautiful cricket stadiums in the world. It’s also a hub for international matches and BBL games.
Where to watch or stream cricket in Australia
If you can’t make it to the stadium, several streaming platforms allow you to follow the games online:
- Kayo Sports: A popular streaming platform in Australia, Kayo Sports offers live coverage of cricket matches, including the Ashes, BBL and one-day internationals.
- Channel 7: For those watching on free-to-air TV, Channel 7 and the 7plus app broadcast a number of BBL matches and certain Test matches.
- Cricket Australia Live App: This official app provides live scores, updates, and streams for select matches, so you can stay connected to the action wherever you are.
There you have it – we hope you’re getting excited for the cricket season! With thrilling rivalries, incredible venues, and legendary players in action, there’s no better time to dive into the world of cricket. See you at the next game!
