Canberra will host Boxing Day cricket this year after securing rights to six Big Bash matches in December.
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The Sydney Thunder will play against the Melbourne Renegades the day after Christmas, giving Canberra fans a rare chance to celebrate the festive season.
COVID-19 restrictions have forced Big Bash officials to rejig their schedule, with Manuka Oval to be a base in December for matches.
The Sydney Thunder will play in five of the game sin the capital, while the Brisbane Heat and Melbourne Stars will kick-start the two-weeks of action with a match on December 11.
In other news
Sydney Thunder captain Callum Ferguson said he welcomed the news his team would play their opening block of matches in Canberra.
"This is great news for us because Canberra is our second home, and I love that the fans have really rallied behind us at Manuka Oval," Ferguson said.
"They always come out in their droves, and I've seen the stadium look like a sea of green on a number of occasions."We plan to put on a big show for our fans there over the summer."
Ferguson added his teammates were as equally excited as him because they 'love' playing at a venue he described as 'world-class'.
"The ground is fantastic, the change rooms and facilities are great, and the atmosphere at the ground is another thing," he enthused.
"Add to that the fantastic support we enjoy at Manuka Oval and you'll understand why we love getting whatever opportunity possible to play there.
"It also helps that we've also enjoyed a lot of success in Canberra."
BIG BASH GAMES AT MANUKA OVAL
December 11: Melbourne Stars v Brisbane Heat, 7.15pm
December 12: Melbourne Stars v Sydney Thunder, 4.05pm
December 14: Sydney Thunder v Brisbane Heat, 7.15pm
December 22: Sydney Thunder v Perth Scorchers, 7.15pm
December 26: Sydney Thunder v Melbourne Renegades, 6.10pm
December 29: Sydney Thunder v Melbourne Stars, 7.15pm
James Buckley
James is a Queanbeyan boy enjoying his second stint at the Canberra Times, more than eight years on from his first. In between he's traveled the world, and spent time covering sport in Sydney.
James is a Queanbeyan boy enjoying his second stint at the Canberra Times, more than eight years on from his first. In between he's traveled the world, and spent time covering sport in Sydney.
