By LUKE VOOGT
Geelong will host its first international Twenty20 match next year, with Australia to play Sri Lanka in a double header on 19 February.
Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland was at Simonds Stadium this week to unveil this summer’s T/20 schedule.
Mr Sutherland said Geelong had proved its ability to host T/20 cricket with an exhibition match between the Melbourne Stars and Melbourne Renegades.
“We’re delighted for the first time ever to playing a game here in Geelong.”
Mr Sutherland said more Big Bash League games in Geelong and a team for the city were possibilities.
“Our expansion plans in the shorter term are more about increasing the number of matches than the number of teams,” he said.
“But we are very aware of the interest from Geelong and it’s something – who knows – in the not too distant future it may well be that Geelong could have a team.”
The Southern Stars will square off against rivals New Zealand before Steve Smith’s all conquering outfit takes on Sri Lanka.
It will be the first international fixture played in Geelong, and just the second in regional Victoria after a 1992 World Cup match in Ballarat.
Mr Sutherland said he expected a big crowd for the match.
“A capacity would be well on the cards I’d say.”
State Tourism Minister John Eren said the match was a great chance for locals to watch the best cricket in their backyard and for visitors to see Geelong.
“Today is a great day – a great day for Geelong, a great day for sport and a great day for cricket,” he said.
