THE Australian cricket team will be playing a match in Canberra for the first time next year as part of the 2012-13 Commonwealth Bank Series.

The one-day International match will be part of the Centenary of Canberra celebrations.

“Although Manuka Oval has hosted many Prime Minister’s XI matches, Canberra has never hosted a match involving the Australia cricket team,” Deputy Chief Minister and Sports Minister Andrew Barr said.

“The match will be a significant boost for cricket in the ACT. It will be a great chance for cricket fans from Canberra and around the region so see some of the best cricketers in the world in action. Juniors, in particular, will be able to see their cricketing heroes live.

“With fans expected to come from around the region, the match will also boost tourism in the region, and provide significant exposure of the ACT right around the country.”

Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland said the announcement was an historic moment for cricket in nation’s capital and a great way to help celebrate the Centenary of Canberra.

“Canberra continues to play an important role in Australian cricket, producing some of our best national players and hosting the annual Prime Minister’s XI match,” he said.

“The ACT Government’s commitment to upgrading Manuka Oval will not only help to position it to host future international and domestic cricket matches, including matches in the 2015 Cricket World Cup, but it will also help grow the game of cricket in Canberra and surrounding areas, which is critical to our vision for cricket to be Australia’s favourite sport.”