Tickets have gone on sale for a packed Australian men’s international cricket summer, with strong demand already recorded following a pre-sale period that saw more than 70,000 tickets snapped up.
The men’s side will host England in a white-ball series in November before facing New Zealand in a four-Test series across December and January, marking another busy home season across all formats. International fixtures will also be staged across every state and territory, beginning in Darwin on 13 August with the NRMA Insurance Northern Australia Test against Bangladesh.
Cricket fans in the Northern Territory are set for a major moment, with Test cricket returning to Darwin for the first time in 22 years. The five-day match is expected to draw large crowds and visitors, with officials saying it will give local businesses and tourism operators a lift during the winter period.
Bay 13 at the MCG will also reopen to the public this season, restoring access to one of Australian cricket’s most well-known spectator areas.
Cricket Australia confirmed that tickets for the men’s international fixtures went on general sale at 11am local time via cricket.com.au, with early interest already driving strong demand.
Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg said the response so far had been encouraging.
“This is going to be a fantastic summer of cricket, and I encourage fans to jump online to get their tickets now,” he said.
“It’s pleasing to see strong demand already, with tickets selling quickly during the pre-sale period.
“It’s also great that Victorian icon Bay 13 is back in the hands of the Australian public, and we encourage fans to get in early to secure their spot.
“Our men’s team has a big season ahead starting with the Northern Australia Test series, followed by an exciting white-ball series against England, the always hard-fought Test series against New Zealand and culminating with the historic 150th Anniversary Test.”
Attention will later turn to the women’s international schedule, with pre-sale tickets opening on 20 July and general public access from 23 July. The shift in timing follows changes to the ICC Women’s Champions Trophy, which has been moved to February 2027, prompting adjustments to the home calendar.
The Australian women’s team will begin their season in October with series against Bangladesh and New Zealand, following their return from the ICC T20 Women’s World Cup in England.
The 2026-27 season will close with the 150th Anniversary Test at the MCG in March 2027, a match already drawing early demand, with Days 1 and 2 sold out and limited availability remaining for Day 3.
In the Northern Territory, anticipation is building for the August Test in Darwin, which returns after more than two decades. Tourism and hospitality minister Marie-Clare Boothby said the event forms part of a broader effort to boost the visitor economy.
“I’m thrilled that in our year of growth, certainty, and security, the Finocchiaro CLP Government is bringing Test cricket back to the Territory after 22 years,” she said.
“There’s nothing like the energy of a Test match in Darwin, and we are proud to kickstart an historic summer of cricket right here in the Top End.
“We’re backing sport and major events because they attract visitors to see more, do more, and spend more in the Territory.”
Minister for People, Sport and Culture Jinson Charls said the return of Test cricket would carry emotional weight for local fans and young players.
“This is a historic Test match that Territorians simply won’t want to miss,” he said.
“We’re expecting thousands of passionate fans to fill TIO Stadium across the match, and the atmosphere is going to be electric. Tickets will go fast.”
Australian batter and Territorian Jake Weatherald said the match would be a landmark moment for the region.
“It’s fantastic that Test cricket will return to Darwin after 22 years and I hope we get a huge turn out from local fans,” he said.
“The chance to see the national team will inspire a lot of kids to pick up a bat and ball like it did with me.”
Cricket NT chief executive Gavin Dovey said the Territory was well placed to host international fixtures during the Australian winter.
“Last year’s T20 Internationals here in Darwin sold out in record time, and with tickets now on sale for the Test Match, we encourage fans to secure seats early,” he said.
General admission tickets for the Darwin Test start from $32 for adults, $11 for children, and $69 for a family pass, with reserved seating also available. Tickets are on sale via www.ticketek.com.au
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