Geelong Carnival of Cricket set to hit Simonds Stadium for six this December
The Melbourne Renegades and Melbourne Stars will feature in the Summer Smash exhibition match on December 11 when the two KFC Big Bash League sides face off ahead of the teams’ opening round matches the following weekend.
Chris Gayle, Kevin Pietersen, Aaron Finch, Glenn Maxwell, Dwayne Bravo, David Hussey, James Pattinson and John Hastings are just a few of the names that could play in the Summer Smash as cricket is played under lights at Simonds Stadium for the first time.
Melbourne Renegades captain Finch is excited to be playing in front of a local crowd.
“It’s fantastic news that Simonds Stadium is attracting some great cricket matches this summer. It’ll be great to lead the Renegades onto the ground against the Stars and being a local, I’m hoping to see many Geelong cricket fans fill the stands.”
Melbourne Stars batsman Hussey said he was looking forward to taking on the Renegades in Geelong.
“We want to see Simonds Stadium filled with green and as many Geelong fans as possible getting behind the Stars. It will be great to take to the field under lights in front of a very passionate crowd!”
The touring West Indies side will also play at Simonds Stadium in a two-day fixture against a Victorian Invitational XI in the Calypso on Corio clash to be held on December 19 and 20.
Victorian Minister for Sport, The Hon. John Eren said: “Cricket is our national summer pastime. Now for the first time, Geelong fans will be able to see some of the world’s best international cricket stars in their own backyard.”
“This double-header will bring cricket fans from all over to Australia to Geelong. That means more tourism, more jobs and a stronger economy.”
“We’re ensuring Simonds Stadium becomes the best sporting arena in regional Australia. It means the biggest and best events, and more often.”
Cricket Australia Chief Executive Officer, James Sutherland said that the matches were a boost for Geelong, but also important preparation for all sides.
“We think this is a real win for cricket fans in Geelong. Staging cricket under lights at the redeveloped Simonds Stadium is a really exciting prospect for our game as it gives us the chance to showcase the excitement of the BBL to audiences outside Melbourne,” Mr Sutherland said.
“The Victorian Government and the City of Greater Geelong have been right behind the concept and shown great enthusiasm to host cricket in Geelong. We’re very grateful for that support and cricket is clearly the winner for it.
“The two-day warm up match involving the West Indies is another important fixture in the lead up to the Boxing Day Test.”
Cricket Victoria Chief Executive Officer, Tony Dodemaide said: “It’s really positive for Victorian Cricket to be able to stage major cricket content at Simonds Stadium this summer. It’s important for cricket to take content like this outside of Melbourne and we’d like to thank the Victorian Government and City of Greater Geelong for their support.”
The Geelong Carnival of Cricket is a joint project with support from the Victorian Government, Cricket Australia, Cricket Victoria; BBL teams Melbourne Renegades, Melbourne Stars and the City of Greater Geelong.
Fixture
Summer Smash – Melbourne Renegades versus Melbourne Stars KFC Big Bash League Exhibition match at Simonds Stadium on the evening of December 11, 2015.
Calypso on Corio – Two-day West Indies tour match versus a Victorian Invitational XI at Simonds Stadium on Saturday, December 19 and Sunday, December 20, 2015.
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