Symonds backs BBL for region
AUSTRALIAN cricketing legend Andrew Symonds believes Townsville’s international fixtures this year could be the first step to a North Queensland BBL franchise.
Symonds, who works as a commentator for Fox Sports, returned to his hometown following his cricket career and believes it has all the hallmarks of a professional cricket base.
It will be the first time the Australian men will play an Icc-sanctioned international fixture when they host Zimbabwe in a one-day international at Riverway Stadium.
Symonds said it was an opportunity he would have loved during his professional career, and the current side needed to soak up all that the North had to offer.
“I played quite a few games in Cairns but never got to play at home. I think it is an excellent opportunity for North Queensland to show what we have got here,” he said.
“The players can really relax up here. There is a lot of things they can do here if they have spare time. There is a lot Townsville has to offer and I think hopefully one day they can run a T20 side out of North Queensland.”
Symonds admitted one thing that stood in the way of a Big Bash expansion into Townsville was the lighting at Riverway Stadium.
While the lighting was not up to broadcast or cyclone rating standard, that was the only downfall of the facility, he said.
“I have been out to see the wicket and surface – it is of the highest quality,” Symonds said.
“There is no question whether they can (host an international).”
AUSTRALIAN limited overs captain Aaron Finch cannot wait to bring his troops to Townsville.
The Australian side will heat up the end of winter in North Queensland with a 50over showdown against emerging cricketing nation Zimbabwe. It will be part of the ICC Future Tour and will culminate a three-game series that includes stops in Australia’s Top End.
The Aussies will then return to the region in October for a
T20 World Cup warm-up clash with the West Indies.
While the matches have been locked into Cricket Australia’s calendar, they remain reliant on COVID-19 restrictions easing in time for international travel.
“It’s great for Townsville and regional cricket in North Queensland we have the chance to play twice as we get ready for the T20 World Cup and Indian summer,” Finch said. “It will be good to get a game there in Townsville.”