Australia’s cricket seniors, the Kangaroos and Koalas, will visit the Isle of Wight’s Newclose Cricket Ground next week as part of their 3-week visit to the UK. 33 Aussies and 3 New Zealanders will arrive from Down Under next week for a 12-game Castles Tour taking in Balmoral, Windsor Castle, Bamburgh and a number of Britain’s most beautiful cricket grounds – including Newclose. The veteran cricketers, all over 60, will arrive on the Island on Wednesday 19th June for 2x 20-20 games, taking on the Isle of Wight Over 50s XIs. Many of the tour party have played a lot of high-class cricket at home. Derek Braidner, tour manager, said:
“Coming to the Isle of Wight is not just about the cricket…how could we not include it on this unique cricket tour. “This region of England has played a huge part in our own history and we are very excited about playing at this premier ground and I had no hesitation about including it in our list of magnificent grounds we have been invite to play at.”
Nick Heelan, the ECB’s Isle of Wight cricket development manager, said:
“We are greatly looking forward to welcoming this Australian touring side and hope to use this to galvanise even further local interest in seniors cricket and the many physical, mental and social benefits it can offer.
Entry on the day is free and the players will meet the Lord Lieutenant and High Sheriff from 09:30. Play will get underway at 11:00 for a T20 match vs the Isle of Wight Over 50s, captained by Simon Goldsmith. The second T20 match, again against the IOW Over 50s, will start at 14:00, followed by a dinner and social at 18:00.
