It’s fitting that regional NSW is part of the build-up to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
After all, regional NSW was the home to many of Australia’s greats, including Don Bradman, Glenn McGrath and Nathan Lyon to start a very long list.
As part of the promotion for the World Cup, which will see 45 matches featuring 16 teams in seven cities, the roadshow leading up to the event has travelled to 11 stops across regional NSW.
The roadshow reaches its finale at the Murrumbateman Field Days this Sunday among farm machinery and produce.
And then the games begin with the SCG hosting six matches, including Australia’s opening match against New Zealand on 22 October. The SCG will also host a semi-final.
Staging the T20 matches is part of the NSW Government’s 10 World Cup in 10 years initiative.
Already this year we have seen Sydney host the Women’s Basketball World Cup.
For the moment, though, it’s all about the Men’s T20 World Cup.
“Regional NSW is the heartland of cricket in our state and the Regional Roadshow has hit the sweet spot by providing entertainment and inspiration for bush cricket fans across NSW ahead of the T20 World Cup in Australia,” said NSW Minister for Sport Alister Henskens.
“Despite having a smaller population than Sydney, regional NSW accounts for around half of the State’s registered players, more than 250 adolescent cricketers in the Cricket NSW pathway system, and produces over 50 per cent of NSW’s contracted professional cricketers.”
Part of the roadshow exhibition this Sunday at the Murrumbateman Field Days includes a virtual reality experience of hitting a six at the SCG.
Come next weekend, the Australian team will be looking to ensure that the virtual becomes reality when they face the Kiwis on 22 October.
The Murrumbateman Field Days will be held on Saturday, 15 October, and Sunday, 16 October, at East Street, Murrumbateman. The T20 Roadshow will be on Sunday, 16 October.
Original Article published by Tim Gavel on Riotact.