NT’s Top scorers break through to international honours

Behind the scenes at cricket's highest level, four Territory scorekeepers have achieved a remarkable milestone during this month's Australia A series.

Australia A in the field against Sri Lanka A during the first One-day match in the Top End Series at Marrara Oval, Darwin – 2025. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin.

Four Northern Territory match officials have been acknowledged for their contributions during this month’s Sri Lanka A series in the Top End.

Mark White, Tim Angus, Kathryn White and Zita Varatharajan all worked behind the scenes during List A/First-Class matches between Australia A and SL A.

Mark White said he and his colleagues got a different perspective of the game, and teamwork played a big role in making sure they got everything 100 per cent correct.

“We got a different view of the behind the scenes elements that fit together to deliver matches at this level,” White said.

“Sometimes more is less, in club cricket scorers are being asked to do more and more, but at this level the intent is to keep the scorers focused on one job only – record the scores accurately.

“Teamwork was essential to make sure what was televised and on the scoreboard reflected the official scores, but also working as part of the larger team with the Match Officials.”

Northern Territory Officials Mark White and Kathryn White on day two of the second Four-Day match between Australia A and Sri Lanka A in Darwin, 2025. Picture: Contributed

With the majority of the NT contingent making their List A and First Class debuts, White said liaising with interstate colleagues made the work less daunting.

“A number of us made our official List A and First Class debuts during this series, but we’ve been involved in other A Series and ICC matches over the last 10 or more years,” he said.

”It was less pressure because we had liaised with interstate colleagues and had learnt from their experiences.

“Everyone enjoyed the opportunity to participate, whether it was on the scoreboard or as an official scorer for the match.”

President of the NT Cricket Match Officials Association and recently named member of Cricket Australia’s State and Territory Umpire Panel for season 2025-26, Robert Stewart, said he was stoked to see his peers be awarded such a big opportunity.

“I’m proud that our scoring members recognised and included in the Australia A vs. Sri Lanka A series,” Stewart said.

“Our team was involved as official scorers and scoreboard operators across both the 50-over matches and the four-day games.”

President of the NT Cricket Match Officials Association Robert Stewart. Picture: NT Cricket Facebook

Stewart said the experience highlighted the belief in the officials and was a reflection of the hard work put in by the crew.

“This is a fantastic opportunity that highlights the dedication, professionalism, and capability of our local officials,” he said.

“It’s also a strong sign of confidence from the broader cricketing community in the quality of match support we’re able to provide here in the Northern Territory.

“We look forward to supporting a high-standard series and showcasing the important role our officials play behind the scenes.”

INVOLVEMENT:

1) 50 Over Match – Mark White and Tim Angus (List A debut)

2) 50 Over Match – Mark White and Kathryn White

3) 50 Over Match – Kathryn White and Zita Varatharajan (List A debut)

4) 4 Day Match – Mark White (First Class debut) and Zita Varatharajan (First Class debut)

5) 4 Day Match – Mark White and Kathryn White (First Class debut)

Originally published as NT’s Top scorers break through to international honours