Manuka Oval gets BBL final

The Manuka Oval in Canberra will host the final of the 2014-15 edition of the Big Bash League – Australia's premier domestic Twenty20 competition.
The Manuka Oval in Canberra will host the final of the 2014-15 edition of the Big Bash League – Australia's premier domestic Twenty20 competition.
The venue first hosted international cricket in March 1992, when South Africa beat Zimbabwe in the World Cup, while the Australians trumped the West Indies in a relatively one-side ODI here in February 2013.
"We have looked at a number of options for hosting the final of the Big Bash League, given the unique summer of international cricket that lies ahead and the significant demands that will place on venues around the country," said Cricket Australia's executive general manager of operations Mike McKenna.
"That consideration, combined with our efforts to further establish the BBL as a truly national competition, was part of our decision making. We think the concept of staging the final in the neutral territory of the nation's capital has merit.
"Manuka Oval has undergone significant work in recent times to upgrade facilities for fans. We think it can provide a great backdrop to the biggest match of the tournament while exposing a new market to the excitement of the league."
Previous BBL finals were hosted by the Western Australia Cricket Association Ground in Perth, but a significant makeover has seen the 13,000-strong Canberra venue preferred this year.
Former England batsman Kevin Pietersen, meanwhile, has signed a two-year contract with the Melbourne Stars franchise. The Big Bash League will run from 18 December 2014 to 28 January 2015. The Stars' opening match will be against the Adelaide Strikers.
Latest
-
News
England claims seven-wicket win in Sri Lanka
The fourth-wicket pair calmly collected the remaining runs.
-
News
Jack Leach weary but happy after long wait for England return in Sri Lanka
The left-arm spinner claimed five for 122 as the tourists closed in on victory in the first Test.
-
News
Sri Lanka v England Day 4: Frantic finale ahead as England chase down slim target
Jos Buttler’s stumping was a crucial moment.
-
News
England wobble in pursuit of 74 to win first Test against Sri Lanka
Dom Sibley, Zak Crawley and Joe Root fell in quick succession early on.
-
News
England chasing 74 to win first Test against Sri Lanka
Jack Leach’s five wickets ended the home side’s resistance.
-
News
Angelo Mathews half-century holds up England’s bid for first Test victory
Sri Lanka were 302 for seven at tea for a lead of 16 runs.
-
News
Sri Lanka close in on England’s lead behind century from Lahiru Thirimanne
Sri Lanka trail by 44 at lunch on day three of the first Test.
-
News
Sri Lanka v England Day Three: Joe Root at the double but Sri Lanka show grit
Captain Root had ended day one on 66, day two on 168 and marched onwards to 228 on the third morning.
-
News
Jack Leach admits there is room for improvement as Sri Lanka frustrate England
Leach and Sam Curran struck for the tourists in the hosts’ second innings.
-
News
Joe Root’s double century keeps England in command despite rally from Sri Lanka
Captain Root had ended day one on 66, day two on 168 and marched onwards to 228 on the third morning.