International cricket returns to Cairns with Australia New Zealand ODI series

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It’s been 18 years since international cricket was played in Cairns. It returns this week with Australia and New Zealand competing for the Chappell Hadlee trophy at Cazalys.

The teams will play three one-day matches on September 6, 8 and 11, following a three-match series against Zimbabwe in Townsville last week.

Australia holds the trophy, named for Australia’s Chappell brothers and New Zealand’s Walter Hadlee, father of famed Kiwi all-rounder, Sir Richard Hadlee.

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It was last contested in 2019 at a Sydney Cricket Ground empty due to COVID restrictions.

Australian captain, Aaron Finch, said he’s looking forward to a good contest in front of good-sized Cairns crowds.

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“New Zealand has world class players and firepower throughout their innings with the bat, their bowling is world class.

“I’m hopeful for a great tournament.”

NZ skipper, Kane Williamson, said he hopes the recent Cairns wet spell is over and the series can proceed uninterrupted.

“We don’t know what the conditions have in store, obviously there’s been a little bit of weather around.

“No doubt it will be a tough battle out there. The Chappell Hadlee series have always been really good competitions over the years.

“It’s nice to have another one after a few years off.”

International cricket was first played in Cairns in 2003 against Bangladesh, followed a year later by Tests against Sri Lanka in Darwin and Cairns.

Those tours drew good crowds and gave many cricket lovers their first experience of watching an international game live at the ground.

Kane Williamson said NZ supports taking the game to smaller regional centres.

“Back home, throughout our summer, we always try and make sure there’s cricket in all other parts of the country.

“It’d be great to see the Cairns public come out and support both teams.

“The weather’s warm and it’s nice to be here and playing cricket.”

Aaron Finch said he hopes playing elite cricket in the regions will boost interest in the game, especially for younger players.

“I think the more that we can continue to take the game to all parts of Australia to keep growing it is so important.

“We’ve seen the impact that playing professional sport in regional areas has on not just participation in the game, but also on the economy, it’s unbelievable.

“The more we can continue to do that, the better.”