Latest news with #SheffieldShield
Courier-Mail
13 hours ago
- Business
- Courier-Mail
Drop-in pitches laid down as international cricket to return to Darwin for first time in 17 years
Don't miss out on the headlines from Northern Territory. Followed categories will be added to My News. Cricket fever is ramping up in the NT with tickets going live for the return of the international game in August, as two drop-in wickets have been installed at TIO Stadium. International cricket was last played in Darwin 17 years ago when Australia took on Bangladesh, but this year the team finally returns for two blockbuster T20s against South Africa. Fans will have the chance to book the best seats in the house for the matches on August 10 and 12 at Ticketek with thousands already expressing interest on pre-sales. Ticket prices are $20 for adults, $5 for children and $43 for families of four. Prior to that series the Australia A side, featuring Territorian Jake Weatherald, will take centre stage against Sri Lanka in July. The Australia A series will feature three 50-over games and two four-day matches, with free entry for general public attendance and all matches streamed live on Kayo Sports and People, Sport and Culture minister Jinson Charls and Jake Weatherald as TIO Stadium's drop-in pitch is laid down. Weatherald was the leading run scorer in the Sheffield Shield with 906 runs and is the all-time leading run scorer for the Adelaide Strikers, with recent exposure to TIO at last year's Top End Series. 'I'm just immensely proud to be a Territorian and get to play for Australia in some facet, it's going to be cool to play on the ground as it's such a great facility,' he said. 'I watched test cricket here long ago when I was a young kid so to be back here representing myself is a critical moment for me. 'The stuff that has been done to support the growth of NT cricket is exciting and to have the teams coming that we do will be cool for Territorians to see, they've been starving for a long time now. 'For young Territorians it's good representation of what you can aspire to be, you don't always get that so hopefully it inspires a lot of kids to play more cricket and aspire to play for Australia.' People, Sport and Culture minister Jinson Charls and NT Cricket CEO Gavin Dovey as TIO Stadium's drop-in pitch is laid down. NT Cricket chief executive Gavin Dovey said it was an exciting year for the sport in the Top End following the recent visit from the Australian women's side. 'The installation of the two drop in wickets marks a significant milestone in the return of international cricket,' he said. 'International cricket offers the Territory a platform few sports can rival, thanks to its huge global audience and economic impact. 'Closer to home, cricket sits at the heart of Australia's national identity, so we can't wait to see a packed out TIO Stadium in August.' People, Sport and Culture minister Jinson Charls said the drop-in pitches was a critical step toward delivering world-class matches to the NT. 'In our year of action, certainty and security, we're incredibly proud to welcome international cricket back to the Territory and demonstrate that Darwin has the capability to host world-class sporting events,' he said. People, Sport and Culture minister Jinson Charls, Major Events minister Marie-Clare Boothby, NT Cricket CEO Gavin Dovey and Jake Weatherald as TIO Stadium's drop-in pitch is laid down. Major Events, Tourism and Hospitality minister Marie-Clare Boothby said major sporting events like international cricket provide a real boost to the Top End. 'Major events like the Australia v South Africa T20s bring huge energy to our region, boosting tourism, business and community pride,' she said. 'We are proud our government has brought back international cricket to the NT for the first time in 17 years. 'Events like this draw fans from across the country, and we look forward to seeing supporters from near and far pack TIO Stadium.' Originally published as Drop-in pitches laid down as international cricket to return to Darwin for first time in 17 years
Herald Sun
17 hours ago
- Sport
- Herald Sun
Drop-in pitches laid down as international cricket to return to Darwin for first time in 17 years
Don't miss out on the headlines from Northern Territory. Followed categories will be added to My News. Cricket fever is ramping up in the NT with tickets going live for the return of the international game in August, as two drop-in wickets have been installed at TIO Stadium. International cricket was last played in Darwin 17 years ago when Australia took on Bangladesh, but this year the team finally returns for two blockbuster T20s against South Africa. Fans will have the chance to book the best seats in the house for the matches on August 10 and 12 at Ticketek with thousands already expressing interest on pre-sales. Ticket prices are $20 for adults, $5 for children and $43 for families of four. Prior to that series the Australia A side, featuring Territorian Jake Weatherald, will take centre stage against Sri Lanka in July. The Australia A series will feature three 50-over games and two four-day matches, with free entry for general public attendance and all matches streamed live on Kayo Sports and Weatherald was the leading run scorer in the Sheffield Shield with 906 runs and is the all-time leading run scorer for the Adelaide Strikers, with recent exposure to TIO at last year's Top End Series. 'I'm just immensely proud to be a Territorian and get to play for Australia in some facet, it's going to be cool to play on the ground as it's such a great facility,' he said. 'I watched test cricket here long ago when I was a young kid so to be back here representing myself is a critical moment for me. 'The stuff that has been done to support the growth of NT cricket is exciting and to have the teams coming that we do will be cool for Territorians to see, they've been starving for a long time now. 'For young Territorians it's good representation of what you can aspire to be, you don't always get that so hopefully it inspires a lot of kids to play more cricket and aspire to play for Australia.' NT Cricket chief executive Gavin Dovey said it was an exciting year for the sport in the Top End following the recent visit from the Australian women's side. 'The installation of the two drop in wickets marks a significant milestone in the return of international cricket,' he said. 'International cricket offers the Territory a platform few sports can rival, thanks to its huge global audience and economic impact. 'Closer to home, cricket sits at the heart of Australia's national identity, so we can't wait to see a packed out TIO Stadium in August.' People, Sport and Culture minister Jinson Charls said the drop-in pitches was a critical step toward delivering world-class matches to the NT. 'In our year of action, certainty and security, we're incredibly proud to welcome international cricket back to the Territory and demonstrate that Darwin has the capability to host world-class sporting events,' he said. Major Events, Tourism and Hospitality minister Marie-Clare Boothby said major sporting events like international cricket provide a real boost to the Top End. 'Major events like the Australia v South Africa T20s bring huge energy to our region, boosting tourism, business and community pride,' she said. 'We are proud our government has brought back international cricket to the NT for the first time in 17 years. 'Events like this draw fans from across the country, and we look forward to seeing supporters from near and far pack TIO Stadium.' Originally published as Drop-in pitches laid down as international cricket to return to Darwin for first time in 17 years
The Advertiser
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Australia A call-up follows summer of redemption for Wallsend Tigers junior
Jason Sangha thought his first-class career was over. But, after a summer of redemption which culminated in a starring role to help South Australia win the Sheffield Shield final in March, the Wallsend Tigers junior has earned an Australia A call-up. The 25-year-old was part of a 16-player squad named on Monday to play five matches - three one-day fixtures and two four-day exchanges - against Sri Lanka A in Darwin in July. Sangha's international call-up came after a break-out campaign with South Australia, where he finished the season with 704 runs at 78.22 from just six games. The elegant right-hand bat scored one of three centuries in 2024-25 on debut for South Australia. Sangha then entered South Australia sporting folklore in March by hitting the winning runs in a knock of 126 not out as the Redbacks completed a record final chase against Queensland to secure the Sheffield Shield title for the first time in 29 years.. The performance came a year after being told by NSW he was no longer required. "I thought my career was over," Sangha told media at the time. "South Australia gave me a second chance. I owe them everything, really. They have saved my career." Sangha also topscored for Sydney Thunder in the 2024 BBL final, which was won by the Hobart Hurricanes. The former Australian under-19 captain, who scored his maiden first-class century playing for Cricket Australia XI against a touring England team as a teenager, was signed by Thunder at just 16 but recently committed to the Adelaide Strikers for the next two BBL campaigns. Six years after playing his last Test for Australia, Kurtis Patterson has been given another chance to stake his claim for an unlikely international comeback as one of several big names to headline the Australia A squad. Nathan McSweeney will feature after playing three Tests last summer before losing his spot at the top of the order, while Matt Renshaw was also named. "We've picked a balanced squad which provides a number of options, which we expect will be required over the course of the series," chief selector George Bailey said. "Jake Weatherald, Jason Sangha and Kurtis Patterson have all had dominant Sheffield Shield seasons and earned the opportunity to test themselves against international opposition. "Additionally, there is a strong presence of emerging talent in the squad who will benefit from playing alongside senior players including Nathan McSweeney and Matthew Renshaw, who bring substantial experience at 'A' level." AUSTRALIA A SQUAD TO FACE SRI LANKA A: Sam Elliott, Matt Gilkes, Bryce Jackson, Campbell Kellaway, Nathan McSweeney, Jack Nisbet, Mitch Perry, Kurtis Patterson, Oliver Peake, Josh Philippe, Matt Renshaw, Jason Sangha, Liam Scott, Billy Stanlake, Henry Thornton, Jake Weatherald. Meanwhile, Newcastle teenage cricket prodigy Caoimhe Bray has earned a rookie contract with the NSW Breakers for the 2025-26 Women's National Cricket League. The Denman product, who now lives in Adamstown, capped a break-out year when she was called into the Breakers squad last December. The 15-year-old all-rounder made history in October when she became the youngest person to ink a WBBL contract, signing a three-year deal with the Sydney Sixers. Bray made a dream WBBL debut by hitting the winning runs in the Sixers' opening victory over eventual champions Melbourne Renegades on October 27. She also played for Australia at the under-19 World Cup in Malaysia in January. Bray is one of three Newcastle cricketers named in the Breakers squad alongside spinners Samantha Bates and Sienna Eve. Jason Sangha thought his first-class career was over. But, after a summer of redemption which culminated in a starring role to help South Australia win the Sheffield Shield final in March, the Wallsend Tigers junior has earned an Australia A call-up. The 25-year-old was part of a 16-player squad named on Monday to play five matches - three one-day fixtures and two four-day exchanges - against Sri Lanka A in Darwin in July. Sangha's international call-up came after a break-out campaign with South Australia, where he finished the season with 704 runs at 78.22 from just six games. The elegant right-hand bat scored one of three centuries in 2024-25 on debut for South Australia. Sangha then entered South Australia sporting folklore in March by hitting the winning runs in a knock of 126 not out as the Redbacks completed a record final chase against Queensland to secure the Sheffield Shield title for the first time in 29 years.. The performance came a year after being told by NSW he was no longer required. "I thought my career was over," Sangha told media at the time. "South Australia gave me a second chance. I owe them everything, really. They have saved my career." Sangha also topscored for Sydney Thunder in the 2024 BBL final, which was won by the Hobart Hurricanes. The former Australian under-19 captain, who scored his maiden first-class century playing for Cricket Australia XI against a touring England team as a teenager, was signed by Thunder at just 16 but recently committed to the Adelaide Strikers for the next two BBL campaigns. Six years after playing his last Test for Australia, Kurtis Patterson has been given another chance to stake his claim for an unlikely international comeback as one of several big names to headline the Australia A squad. Nathan McSweeney will feature after playing three Tests last summer before losing his spot at the top of the order, while Matt Renshaw was also named. "We've picked a balanced squad which provides a number of options, which we expect will be required over the course of the series," chief selector George Bailey said. "Jake Weatherald, Jason Sangha and Kurtis Patterson have all had dominant Sheffield Shield seasons and earned the opportunity to test themselves against international opposition. "Additionally, there is a strong presence of emerging talent in the squad who will benefit from playing alongside senior players including Nathan McSweeney and Matthew Renshaw, who bring substantial experience at 'A' level." AUSTRALIA A SQUAD TO FACE SRI LANKA A: Sam Elliott, Matt Gilkes, Bryce Jackson, Campbell Kellaway, Nathan McSweeney, Jack Nisbet, Mitch Perry, Kurtis Patterson, Oliver Peake, Josh Philippe, Matt Renshaw, Jason Sangha, Liam Scott, Billy Stanlake, Henry Thornton, Jake Weatherald. Meanwhile, Newcastle teenage cricket prodigy Caoimhe Bray has earned a rookie contract with the NSW Breakers for the 2025-26 Women's National Cricket League. The Denman product, who now lives in Adamstown, capped a break-out year when she was called into the Breakers squad last December. The 15-year-old all-rounder made history in October when she became the youngest person to ink a WBBL contract, signing a three-year deal with the Sydney Sixers. Bray made a dream WBBL debut by hitting the winning runs in the Sixers' opening victory over eventual champions Melbourne Renegades on October 27. She also played for Australia at the under-19 World Cup in Malaysia in January. Bray is one of three Newcastle cricketers named in the Breakers squad alongside spinners Samantha Bates and Sienna Eve. Jason Sangha thought his first-class career was over. But, after a summer of redemption which culminated in a starring role to help South Australia win the Sheffield Shield final in March, the Wallsend Tigers junior has earned an Australia A call-up. The 25-year-old was part of a 16-player squad named on Monday to play five matches - three one-day fixtures and two four-day exchanges - against Sri Lanka A in Darwin in July. Sangha's international call-up came after a break-out campaign with South Australia, where he finished the season with 704 runs at 78.22 from just six games. The elegant right-hand bat scored one of three centuries in 2024-25 on debut for South Australia. Sangha then entered South Australia sporting folklore in March by hitting the winning runs in a knock of 126 not out as the Redbacks completed a record final chase against Queensland to secure the Sheffield Shield title for the first time in 29 years.. The performance came a year after being told by NSW he was no longer required. "I thought my career was over," Sangha told media at the time. "South Australia gave me a second chance. I owe them everything, really. They have saved my career." Sangha also topscored for Sydney Thunder in the 2024 BBL final, which was won by the Hobart Hurricanes. The former Australian under-19 captain, who scored his maiden first-class century playing for Cricket Australia XI against a touring England team as a teenager, was signed by Thunder at just 16 but recently committed to the Adelaide Strikers for the next two BBL campaigns. Six years after playing his last Test for Australia, Kurtis Patterson has been given another chance to stake his claim for an unlikely international comeback as one of several big names to headline the Australia A squad. Nathan McSweeney will feature after playing three Tests last summer before losing his spot at the top of the order, while Matt Renshaw was also named. "We've picked a balanced squad which provides a number of options, which we expect will be required over the course of the series," chief selector George Bailey said. "Jake Weatherald, Jason Sangha and Kurtis Patterson have all had dominant Sheffield Shield seasons and earned the opportunity to test themselves against international opposition. "Additionally, there is a strong presence of emerging talent in the squad who will benefit from playing alongside senior players including Nathan McSweeney and Matthew Renshaw, who bring substantial experience at 'A' level." AUSTRALIA A SQUAD TO FACE SRI LANKA A: Sam Elliott, Matt Gilkes, Bryce Jackson, Campbell Kellaway, Nathan McSweeney, Jack Nisbet, Mitch Perry, Kurtis Patterson, Oliver Peake, Josh Philippe, Matt Renshaw, Jason Sangha, Liam Scott, Billy Stanlake, Henry Thornton, Jake Weatherald. Meanwhile, Newcastle teenage cricket prodigy Caoimhe Bray has earned a rookie contract with the NSW Breakers for the 2025-26 Women's National Cricket League. The Denman product, who now lives in Adamstown, capped a break-out year when she was called into the Breakers squad last December. The 15-year-old all-rounder made history in October when she became the youngest person to ink a WBBL contract, signing a three-year deal with the Sydney Sixers. Bray made a dream WBBL debut by hitting the winning runs in the Sixers' opening victory over eventual champions Melbourne Renegades on October 27. She also played for Australia at the under-19 World Cup in Malaysia in January. Bray is one of three Newcastle cricketers named in the Breakers squad alongside spinners Samantha Bates and Sienna Eve. Jason Sangha thought his first-class career was over. But, after a summer of redemption which culminated in a starring role to help South Australia win the Sheffield Shield final in March, the Wallsend Tigers junior has earned an Australia A call-up. The 25-year-old was part of a 16-player squad named on Monday to play five matches - three one-day fixtures and two four-day exchanges - against Sri Lanka A in Darwin in July. Sangha's international call-up came after a break-out campaign with South Australia, where he finished the season with 704 runs at 78.22 from just six games. The elegant right-hand bat scored one of three centuries in 2024-25 on debut for South Australia. Sangha then entered South Australia sporting folklore in March by hitting the winning runs in a knock of 126 not out as the Redbacks completed a record final chase against Queensland to secure the Sheffield Shield title for the first time in 29 years.. The performance came a year after being told by NSW he was no longer required. "I thought my career was over," Sangha told media at the time. "South Australia gave me a second chance. I owe them everything, really. They have saved my career." Sangha also topscored for Sydney Thunder in the 2024 BBL final, which was won by the Hobart Hurricanes. The former Australian under-19 captain, who scored his maiden first-class century playing for Cricket Australia XI against a touring England team as a teenager, was signed by Thunder at just 16 but recently committed to the Adelaide Strikers for the next two BBL campaigns. Six years after playing his last Test for Australia, Kurtis Patterson has been given another chance to stake his claim for an unlikely international comeback as one of several big names to headline the Australia A squad. Nathan McSweeney will feature after playing three Tests last summer before losing his spot at the top of the order, while Matt Renshaw was also named. "We've picked a balanced squad which provides a number of options, which we expect will be required over the course of the series," chief selector George Bailey said. "Jake Weatherald, Jason Sangha and Kurtis Patterson have all had dominant Sheffield Shield seasons and earned the opportunity to test themselves against international opposition. "Additionally, there is a strong presence of emerging talent in the squad who will benefit from playing alongside senior players including Nathan McSweeney and Matthew Renshaw, who bring substantial experience at 'A' level." AUSTRALIA A SQUAD TO FACE SRI LANKA A: Sam Elliott, Matt Gilkes, Bryce Jackson, Campbell Kellaway, Nathan McSweeney, Jack Nisbet, Mitch Perry, Kurtis Patterson, Oliver Peake, Josh Philippe, Matt Renshaw, Jason Sangha, Liam Scott, Billy Stanlake, Henry Thornton, Jake Weatherald. Meanwhile, Newcastle teenage cricket prodigy Caoimhe Bray has earned a rookie contract with the NSW Breakers for the 2025-26 Women's National Cricket League. The Denman product, who now lives in Adamstown, capped a break-out year when she was called into the Breakers squad last December. The 15-year-old all-rounder made history in October when she became the youngest person to ink a WBBL contract, signing a three-year deal with the Sydney Sixers. Bray made a dream WBBL debut by hitting the winning runs in the Sixers' opening victory over eventual champions Melbourne Renegades on October 27. She also played for Australia at the under-19 World Cup in Malaysia in January. Bray is one of three Newcastle cricketers named in the Breakers squad alongside spinners Samantha Bates and Sienna Eve.
News.com.au
2 days ago
- General
- News.com.au
‘Dominant' Jake Weatherald, Jason Sangha and Kurtis Patterson chosen for Australia A
Batsmen Jake Weatherald, Jason Sangha and Kurtis Patterson have been rewarded for 'dominant' 2024-25 Sheffield Shield seasons with selection in an Australia A squad for a five-match multi-format series against Sri Lanka A next month in Darwin. Tasmania's Weatherald was the competition's highest run-scorer with 906 at average of 50.33. Patterson averaged 57.15 in scoring 743 runs for NSW, while Sangha, who was part of South Australia's Shield winning team, scored 704 runs at an average of 78.22. 'Jake Weatherald, Jason Sangha and Kurtis Patterson have all had dominant Sheffield Shield seasons and earned the opportunity to test themselves against international opposition,' national chairman of selectors George Bailey said. Apart from Patterson, the other players in the squad with Test mach experience are SA skipper Nathan McSweeney and Queensland batsman Matthew Renshaw, while Tasmania paceman Billy Stanlake and NSW wicketkeeper Josh Philippe have represented Australia in white-ball cricket. Selectors did not consider players with existing overseas opportunities in choosing the squad for a series to be made up of three 50-over one-day games and two four-day matches. An Australia A captain is yet to announced. 'We're looking forward to playing an Australia A series in Darwin and experiencing the unique Northern Territory winter climate which allows for a variety of conditions,' Bailey said. 'We've picked a balanced squad which provides a number of options, which we expect will be required over the course of the series. 'Additionally, there is a strong presence of emerging talent in the squad who will benefit from playing alongside senior players including Nathan McSweeney and Matthew Renshaw.' Australia A: Sam Elliott (VIC), Matt Gilkes (NSW), Bryce Jackson (SA), Campbell Kellaway (VIC), Nathan McSweeney (SA), Jack Nisbet (NSW), Mitch Perry (VIC), Kurtis Patterson (NSW), Oliver Peake (VIC), Josh Philippe (NSW), Matt Renshaw (QLD), Jason Sangha (SA), Liam Scott (SA), Billy Stanlake (TAS), Henry Thornton (SA), Jake Weatherald (TAS), Australia A v Sri Lanka A series in Darwin July 4: 50-over match, Marrara Cricket Ground (D/N) July 6: 50-over match, Marrara Cricket Ground
The Advertiser
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Ex-Test bats get chance to make case in Australia A
Kurtis Patterson will be given another chance to stake his claim for an unlikely international comeback, named in the Australia A squad to face Sri Lanka A. Six years after playing his last Test for Australia, Patterson is one of several big names to headline the 16-man 'A' squad for the multi-format series in Darwin next month. Nathan McSweeney will feature after playing three Tests last summer before losing his spot at the top of the order, while Matt Renshaw is also named. Former white-ball international quick Billy Stanlake forms part of the squad after playing just two 50-over games for Tasmania last summer, while Tigers opener Jake Weatherald also features. Australia's selectors did not consider players who already have overseas deals that overlap with the three one-day and two four-day games against the Sri Lankans. Patterson is currently in the middle of a three-match stint with Surrey, but will return home in time to play for Australia A. A century-maker in his last Test for Australia in early 2019, Patterson was squeezed out of the side when David Warner and Steve Smith returned from bans. The 32-year-old's career has been a rollercoaster since then, including going from captaining NSW in the Sheffield Shield to being dropped altogether. Patterson won back his spot in the state side last summer, and was the competition's fourth-leading run-scorer with 743 at an average of 57.15. The left-hander also scored a century for Australia A against the England Lions in January, further making his case for a Test recall. "We've picked a balanced squad which provides a number of options, which we expect will be required over the course of the series," chief selector George Bailey said. "Jake Weatherald, Jason Sangha and Kurtis Patterson have all had dominant Sheffield Shield seasons and earned the opportunity to test themselves against international opposition. "Additionally, there is a strong presence of emerging talent in the squad who will benefit from playing alongside senior players including Nathan McSweeney and Matthew Renshaw who bring substantial experience at 'A' level." AUSTRALIA A SQUAD TO FACE SRI LANKA A: Sam Elliott, Matt Gilkes, Bryce Jackson, Campbell Kellaway, Nathan McSweeney, Jack Nisbet, Mitch Perry, Kurtis Patterson, Oliver Peake, Josh Philippe, Matt Renshaw, Jason Sangha, Liam Scott, Billy Stanlake, Henry Thornton, Jake Weatherald. Kurtis Patterson will be given another chance to stake his claim for an unlikely international comeback, named in the Australia A squad to face Sri Lanka A. Six years after playing his last Test for Australia, Patterson is one of several big names to headline the 16-man 'A' squad for the multi-format series in Darwin next month. Nathan McSweeney will feature after playing three Tests last summer before losing his spot at the top of the order, while Matt Renshaw is also named. Former white-ball international quick Billy Stanlake forms part of the squad after playing just two 50-over games for Tasmania last summer, while Tigers opener Jake Weatherald also features. Australia's selectors did not consider players who already have overseas deals that overlap with the three one-day and two four-day games against the Sri Lankans. Patterson is currently in the middle of a three-match stint with Surrey, but will return home in time to play for Australia A. A century-maker in his last Test for Australia in early 2019, Patterson was squeezed out of the side when David Warner and Steve Smith returned from bans. The 32-year-old's career has been a rollercoaster since then, including going from captaining NSW in the Sheffield Shield to being dropped altogether. Patterson won back his spot in the state side last summer, and was the competition's fourth-leading run-scorer with 743 at an average of 57.15. The left-hander also scored a century for Australia A against the England Lions in January, further making his case for a Test recall. "We've picked a balanced squad which provides a number of options, which we expect will be required over the course of the series," chief selector George Bailey said. "Jake Weatherald, Jason Sangha and Kurtis Patterson have all had dominant Sheffield Shield seasons and earned the opportunity to test themselves against international opposition. "Additionally, there is a strong presence of emerging talent in the squad who will benefit from playing alongside senior players including Nathan McSweeney and Matthew Renshaw who bring substantial experience at 'A' level." AUSTRALIA A SQUAD TO FACE SRI LANKA A: Sam Elliott, Matt Gilkes, Bryce Jackson, Campbell Kellaway, Nathan McSweeney, Jack Nisbet, Mitch Perry, Kurtis Patterson, Oliver Peake, Josh Philippe, Matt Renshaw, Jason Sangha, Liam Scott, Billy Stanlake, Henry Thornton, Jake Weatherald. Kurtis Patterson will be given another chance to stake his claim for an unlikely international comeback, named in the Australia A squad to face Sri Lanka A. Six years after playing his last Test for Australia, Patterson is one of several big names to headline the 16-man 'A' squad for the multi-format series in Darwin next month. Nathan McSweeney will feature after playing three Tests last summer before losing his spot at the top of the order, while Matt Renshaw is also named. Former white-ball international quick Billy Stanlake forms part of the squad after playing just two 50-over games for Tasmania last summer, while Tigers opener Jake Weatherald also features. Australia's selectors did not consider players who already have overseas deals that overlap with the three one-day and two four-day games against the Sri Lankans. Patterson is currently in the middle of a three-match stint with Surrey, but will return home in time to play for Australia A. A century-maker in his last Test for Australia in early 2019, Patterson was squeezed out of the side when David Warner and Steve Smith returned from bans. The 32-year-old's career has been a rollercoaster since then, including going from captaining NSW in the Sheffield Shield to being dropped altogether. Patterson won back his spot in the state side last summer, and was the competition's fourth-leading run-scorer with 743 at an average of 57.15. The left-hander also scored a century for Australia A against the England Lions in January, further making his case for a Test recall. "We've picked a balanced squad which provides a number of options, which we expect will be required over the course of the series," chief selector George Bailey said. "Jake Weatherald, Jason Sangha and Kurtis Patterson have all had dominant Sheffield Shield seasons and earned the opportunity to test themselves against international opposition. "Additionally, there is a strong presence of emerging talent in the squad who will benefit from playing alongside senior players including Nathan McSweeney and Matthew Renshaw who bring substantial experience at 'A' level." AUSTRALIA A SQUAD TO FACE SRI LANKA A: Sam Elliott, Matt Gilkes, Bryce Jackson, Campbell Kellaway, Nathan McSweeney, Jack Nisbet, Mitch Perry, Kurtis Patterson, Oliver Peake, Josh Philippe, Matt Renshaw, Jason Sangha, Liam Scott, Billy Stanlake, Henry Thornton, Jake Weatherald.
