After more than a century spent at the very top of the international game, it is rare that the Australian cricket team achieves any major “firsts” these days. From trophies to world records, the Baggy Greens seem to have done it all, yet in 2021, they still managed to take home another brand-new accolade – the T20 World Cup.
Upon defeating New Zealand in the Final at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, the Aussies furthered their credentials as the most successful international cricket team of all time. This year, between 16 October – 13 November, Australia will put that claim to the test once more as they defend their newly-won title on home turf when the 2022 T20 World Cup touches down in Australia.
Spurred on by the home crowds, but also burdened by the weight of their expectation, Australia’s T20 World Cup defence may be one of their toughest challenges yet, especially as the side find themselves a lowly sixth in the ICC’s official T20 rankings. Preparation for the tournament will be key, which is why Cricket Australia has lined up 5 huge T20 matches in October to help ensure the Baggy Greens are at their sharpest come opening day.
First up, between 5–7 October, Australia will take on the West Indies in a 2-game Dettol T20 series. A visit to Metricon Stadium on the Gold Coast will be quickly followed by a game at The Gabba, giving fans in the east 2 opportunities to catch the likes of Aaron Finch, Josh Hazlewood, and Glenn Maxwell in action before the tournament itself begins later in the month.
Then, between 9–14 October, Australia will play their last T20 matches before they hand back the T20 World Cup and begin their title defence in earnest. Their opponents for this final warm-up? An England side ranked #2 in the world, and among the favourites to win this year’s competition. After 3 games against Jos Buttler’s hard-hitting team in Perth (9 Oct) and Canberra (12 & 14 Oct), the Aussies will know exactly where they stand as they take up the task of becoming the first team ever to win T20’s premier international competition twice in a row.
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