Bush Bash ready to go state-wide

With Twenty20 matches forming part of the Victorian Premier Cricket program this summer, the annual Country Round will take the form of triple-headers in the game’s shortest format at six regional centres ahead of the KFC T20 Big Bash League (BBL).

Horsham, Bendigo, Wangaratta, Barooga, Albury and Morwell will host the Bush Bash this season, with the final matches at the first five venues poised to be staged under lights.

The timing of the Bush Bash has been carefully selected as a lead-in to BBL|02 which will commence on December 7 when cross-town rivals the Melbourne Renegades and Melbourne Stars go head-to-head at Etihad Stadium.

A number of BBL representatives are expected to turn out in the Bush Bash- including the Stars’ Brad Hodge and Clive Rose and the Renegades’ Darren Pattinson, Will Sheridan, Meyrick Buchanan and Michael Hill- while the sides are also expected to keep a close eye on performances for any last-minute additions to their playing rosters.

Since the first Country Round match in Bendigo in 1994, 54 separate venues across Victoria and Southern NSW have been used to host 131 matches over 15 seasons, with Ballarat, Wangaratta, Maryborough and Shepparton proving popular destinations in that time.

Cricket Victoria Chief Executive Officer Tony Dodemaide said the Bush Bash was an exciting addition to the calendar.

“The Country Round has been a highlight of the Premier Cricket fixture for many seasons and the introduction of the Bush Bash should add an extra dimension,” Mr Dodemaide said.

“With the BBL just around the corner, country cricket fans will get the chance to see a number of these players in action with three matches in one day including one under lights.

“I’m sure each centre will be well supported both on and off the field.”

A number of additional activities are expected to take place during the Bush Bash including a Country Fire Authority presence at the venues.

Regional Victoria was well represented in BBL|01 with the likes of Aaron Finch (Colac) and Meyrick Buchanan (Colac) turning out for the Renegades and Cameron White (Bairnsdale), Peter Siddle (Morwell) and Alex Keath (Shepparton) listed by the Stars.

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