Cricket on this summer

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A mouthwatering few months

Coming off the back of a historic T20 World Cup win and buoyed by news of several big-ticket tournaments heading downunder in the coming years, Aussie cricket lovers are like pigs in mud as they look ahead to a sumptuous summer of fixtures. Headlining an action-packed calendar, the men's Ashes return to our shores for what promises to be a glut of high-quality international cricket, and an opportunity for the Aussies to deny the Poms their first series victory since 2015. England are a formidable opponent; inventors of the sport, current World Cup holders, and sporting a squad filled to the brim with top-tier talent. Having contested the Ashes with Australia for nearly 140 years, this is an occasion steeped in history and tradition, and is NOT to be missed.

As if the men's Ashes wasn't enough, the women's series will follow hot in its heels, incorporating a more modern combination of Test, T20 and ODI formats. With the addition of its faster-paced matches, the women's series is a very different prospective to the five multi-day tests of the men's game and is a phenomenal spectacle in its own right.

But that's not all! A men's One Day International series against New Zealand and T20 clashes against both the Kiwis and Sri Lanka, plus a red-ball warm-up versus Afghanistan AND all the usual domestic Big Bash goodness mean this season's cricket action is looking very attractive indeed. 

We've put together a summary of all the best in store on the cricketing calendar below, so read on!

International Cricket (Men's):

International Cricket (Women's):

Big Bash League:

There'll be too many BBL fixtures to list here, but as the WBBL season comes to a close at the end of November, the men's competition will pick right up where it left off (starting December 6th 2021). With matches being played all over Australia, if you're following the team to an away match, don't get caught out and stay with YHA.

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What are the best places to stay for the cricket? 

So - you're stumped for where to stay to see the tests or other international games? YHA is the best place to stay for the cricket at all the heavy hitting venues. With an affordable, friendly accommodation option (and sometimes more than one!) right in the host city centre, it's a no brainer to make YHA your hideaway at night so you can get on with enjoying the fun by day! We've got a ground-by-ground breakdown below, with info on how best to reach each ground from the YHA by public transport. 

Sydney - SCG
The SCG is located in Moore Park, sandwiched between the CBD, Inner West and Eastern Suburbs. If you're staying at Railway Square YHA or Sydney Central YHA, it's a short light rail ride from your doorstep, or a slightly longer one from Sydney Harbour YHA. Either way, it doesn't really get much more convenient!

Melbourne - MCG
Situated on the Yarra river, the MCG is an truly iconic ground. If you're coming from Melbourne Central YHA, 15 minutes on the tram is all it'll take, while Melbourne Metro YHA will take just a little longer and a tram and train transfer. Either is a fine choice, as you'll likely be spending hours at the stadium anyway!

Adelaide - Adelaide Oval
Another gorgeous riverside ground, Adelaide Oval is so slap-bang in the middle of town, it's almost as if the whole metropolis was built around it. Adelaide Central YHA is well within walking distance of the ground, and all you'll need to do is make sure the esky isn't too heavy to carry for a 15 minute stroll and you'll be right in the thick of it with minimal hassle. 

Brisbane - The Gabba
Aside from its amusing name, The Gabba is a venerable and storied sporting field located just south of the Brisbane CBD. Brisbane City YHA is handily located a short walk from a 4-minute train journey right onto the stadium's front porch, and its rooftop pool is a great place to cool off after a long day in the sun, too! 

Canberra - Manuka Oval
Manuka Oval is located just down the road from Parliament House, and 20 minutes on the bus from civic. Manuka may not be as physically imposing as some of the other grounds listed here, but it's home to several of Australia's matches with India and will feature prominently in early rounds of Big Bash League. It's also a great excuse to visit the nation's capital, if you're so inclined.

Hobart - Blundstone Arena
It may surprise you to learn that the cosy portside city of Hobart has room to accommodate a 20,000 capacity international sports stadium, but, it does! Located in Bellerive, across the river from the famous waterfront and city proper, Blundstone Arena is but a 20 minute bus ride or 10 minute drive from the door of Hobart Central YHA. 

Check out our round up of other sporting events on this summer!