Cricketer Shane Watson reveals why Gold Coast is perfect city to host Australia v India T20 match
International cricket will make its return to the Gold Coast after a three-year hiatus, with a legend of the game saying it’s the perfect city to host a T20 match between Australia and India.
International cricket will return to the Gold Coast for the first time since 2022.
Australia will play India in a T20 match at Carrara Stadium on November 6.
Former Australian cricketer Shane Watson, who is an ambassador for the match and used to live on the Gold Coast, said the city was the “perfect place” for the game to be held.
“It showcases so much of what Australia is known for,” he said.
“It has stunning beaches and a relaxed way of life so to be able to have a world class game of cricket, especially against India, it will show off the best that Australia has to offer.”
The last time an international game of cricket was held on the Gold Coast was in 2022 and the match marks the first time the city will host the Indian men’s team.
Watson, 44, said one of Australia’s greatest cricket rivalries was against India.
“It is a big coup for the Gold Coast to be able to host a men’s international game of cricket against India,” he said.
“India is one of the biggest teams to play against in the world.
“Every cricket city around the globe is trying to get a game for their country to play India.”
The former all-rounder spent three years living at Nobby Beach from 2005 to 2008.
“I would go to training in Brisbane then come back to the Gold Coast and it felt like being on holiday everyday of the week,” he said.
“I have a lot of amazing memories of living here.
“I then moved to Sydney but I would have stayed on the Gold Coast because I just love everything about it.”
Watson, who played 13 seasons in the Indian Premier League, said it was “hard to put into words” the passion of Indian cricket fans.
“It’s not until you experience it yourself, the true fanatical nature of Indian supporters and see it with your own eyes, that you realise how deep their love of cricket runs,” he said.
“The Aussies supporters will be out but definitely the Indian supporters will be too because there are so many Indian expats living in Australia now, especially on the Gold Coast.
“It might potentially feel like an away game for the Aussies.”
Watson, who is a dad of two with his wife Lee Furlong, said T20 matches attracted more families to the sport.
“It’s not as long of a day out in the sun as it’s mostly in the evening,” he said.
“It’s great for younger families and boys and girls who love their cricket to be exposed to a world-class match.”
Australia will host India for the fourth match in the T20 series on November 6 at Carrara Stadium.
The series kicks off on October 29 in Canberra.
Tickets are still available at cricket.com.au/tickets.
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Originally published as Cricketer Shane Watson reveals why Gold Coast is perfect city to host Australia v India T20 match
