Australian women’s cricket team welcomed to Colombo

Friday, 16 September 2016 00:01 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Acting Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Tim Huggins welcomes the members of the Australian Women’s National Cricket team at the reception held at Australian Residence, Colombo on 13 September

Australian Women’s National Cricket Captain Meg Lanning presented a team t-shirt to the Acting Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Tim Huggins

The Australian Women’s National Cricket Team with Acting Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Tim Huggins

Members of the Australian Women’s National Cricket Team sign a cricket bat at the reception

The Australian women’s cricket team, the Southern Stars, have arrived in Colombo for the first ever women’s cricket series between Australia and Sri Lanka. The world’s number one team in all formats of cricket, the Stars, are in Sri Lanka for a four-match one-day series and a T20 match in September.

Welcoming the Southern Stars at a reception at Australia House on 13 September, Acting High Commissioner Tim Huggins said: “Cricket holds a special place in the hearts of both our nations, and our cricketing ties go back well over a century. We’re both countries that love to compete but also love to celebrate cricket for its own sake.”

Captain of the Southern Stars Meg Lanning said: “We are really excited to be back in Sri Lanka. Lots of the girls have been here before and really loved their time here and we’re looking forward to getting on and playing against Sri Lanka.”

Beyond the strong cricketing ties between the two nations, Australia continues to support the development of other sports in Sri Lanka. Through the Asia Sports Partnership program, they help Netball Australia to strengthen training and community engagement in that sport. Australia will also soon see the University of Canberra running a Sports Leadership and Management program in Colombo to improve elite sport in Sri Lanka and the region.