What You'll Need to Follow Australian Cricket Tours

So you want to keep up with Australian cricket tours but feel like you're always one step behind? Maybe you've missed the start of a Test series, forgotten when the Big Bash League kicks off, or found yourself scrambling to find out who's playing where next month. The cricket calendar is packed, and international series seem to come at you from all directions.

This guide is for footy fans who love cricket but don't have time to trawl through official websites. It's for grassroots players who want to plan their summer around the big matches. And it's for parents and coaches who need to know when their kids might be inspired by watching top players in action.

By the end of this article, you'll have a practical checklist to track every upcoming Australian cricket tour, from Ashes series to T20 World Cups, without missing a single ball. Let's get into it.

What You'll Need to Follow Australian Cricket Tours

Before we dive into the step-by-step process, here's what you should have handy:

• A reliable internet connection – for streaming matches, checking schedules, and following live scores
• A calendar app – digital or physical, whichever works for you
• A streaming subscription – Fox Cricket, Kayo Sports, or the CA Live app (check what's available in your region)
• A notepad or notes app – for jotting down key dates and series details
• Patience – because cricket schedules sometimes change, and you'll need to stay flexible

That's it. No special equipment, no insider connections. Just a bit of organisation and a love for the game.

Step 1: Understand the Australian Cricket Calendar

The first step to following Australian cricket tours is knowing how the calendar works. Unlike some sports that run in neat seasons, Australian cricket has a rhythm that mixes home summers with overseas tours.

The Australian summer typically includes Test series at venues like the MCG, SCG, and WACA Ground, along with the Big Bash League (BBL) and Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) lighting up December and January, and Sheffield Shield matches filling the gaps between international fixtures.

Then comes the winter tour season, when the Australian men's and women's teams head overseas. You'll see Test series in places like England (hello, Ashes), India (Border-Gavaskar Trophy battles), and other cricket nations.

Pro tip: Mark the start of the Australian summer in your calendar. That's when Cricket Australia releases the full fixture list for the upcoming season, usually around the middle of the year.

Step 2: Know the Major Series and Trophies

Not all cricket tours are created equal. Some series carry more weight than others, and knowing which ones matter most will help you prioritise.

Here are the big ones to watch:

• The Ashes – The pinnacle of Australian cricket. England vs Australia in Test cricket. When it's on, nothing else matters.
• Border-Gavaskar Trophy – Australia vs India. These Test series have become legendary for their intensity and drama.
• ICC Men's T20 World Cup – When it rolls around, this is the biggest event in white-ball cricket.
• Test series against other nations – South Africa, New Zealand, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, West Indies—each brings its own flavour.

Common mistake: Don't assume every series is a Test series. Some tours feature One Day Internationals (ODIs) and T20s alongside or instead of Tests. Check the format before you start planning your viewing schedule.

Step 3: Find the Official Fixture Schedule

Once you know what's coming, you need the actual dates. Here's where to look:

Cricket Australia's official website – This is your primary source. They publish the full fixture list for all Australian cricket tours, including home and away series.

The CA Live app – Download this on your phone. It gives you push notifications for match starts, schedule changes, and team announcements.

Social media – Follow Cricket Australia, the BBL, and the WBBL on Twitter/X, Instagram, and Facebook. They post schedule updates and reminders.

Sports news websites – Sites like this one regularly publish tour previews and schedule summaries.

Pro tip: Don't rely on a single source. Cross-check dates across two or three platforms. Sometimes schedules change due to weather, broadcaster demands, or other factors.

Step 4: Set Up Your Personal Tour Calendar

Now comes the organisation. Here's how to build a calendar that works for you:

1. Create a dedicated cricket calendar – In your calendar app, make a new calendar called "Australian Cricket Tours" or something similar.
2. Add all major series dates – Start with the Ashes, Border-Gavaskar Trophy, T20 World Cup, and any confirmed Test series.
3. Add BBL and WBBL fixtures – These run alongside international tours, so you'll need to know when they clash.
4. Set reminders – For series that start in a month, a week, and a day. For matches you really don't want to miss, set a reminder for the day before.
5. Include venue details – Note which matches are at the MCG, SCG, WACA Ground, or other venues. This helps if you're planning to attend.
6. Add streaming or broadcast info – Note which channel or platform is showing each match.

Common mistake: Forgetting time zones. Australian cricket tours to England or India mean matches at odd hours. Check the local start time and convert it to your time zone before adding it to your calendar.

Step 5: Track Player Movements and Squad Announcements

Knowing when star players are playing is part of the fun. But player availability can change quickly due to injury, rest, or form.

Here's how to stay informed:

• Follow official team announcements – Cricket Australia announces squads for each tour. These usually come out a few weeks before the series starts.
• Watch for injury updates – Follow reliable cricket journalists and official team accounts.
• Check Sheffield Shield form – Players often earn selection through strong Shield performances. If someone's scoring runs or taking wickets in the Shield, they might be on the next plane.
• Look for development squad news – Young cricketers sometimes get called up for tours as cover or development opportunities.

Pro tip: If you're a grassroots coach or parent, pay attention to which young players are getting selected for tours. These are the names your kids will be talking about in the schoolyard.

Step 6: Plan Your Viewing or Attendance

Once you know what's on and when, decide how you'll experience it.

If you're watching from home:

• Check your streaming subscription covers the series
• Set up a viewing area with snacks and drinks
• Invite friends or family for big matches
• Use a second screen for live scores and social media

If you're attending live:

• Buy tickets early, especially for Ashes Tests at the MCG or SCG
• Check transport and parking options
• Plan for weather (sun protection in summer, warm clothes in winter)
• Arrive early to soak up the atmosphere

If you're overseas:

• Use a VPN if needed to access Australian streaming services
• Check local broadcasters in your country
• Join online fan communities for real-time discussion

Common mistake: Assuming you can just turn up on the day. Big matches sell out weeks in advance. Book tickets as soon as they go on sale.

Step 7: Stay Flexible and Adapt

Here's the truth about following Australian cricket tours: things change. Players get injured. Weather disrupts schedules. Tour dates shift.

Your job is to stay adaptable. Here's how:

• Check for updates at least weekly – A quick scan of Cricket Australia's website or social media will catch any changes.
• Follow multiple sources – Don't rely on one news outlet or social media account.
• Join cricket forums or Facebook groups – Other fans often spot schedule changes before official announcements.
• Have a backup plan – If a Test match gets rained out, know when the BBL game is on instead.

Pro tip: The Australian summer is packed with cricket. If one match gets washed out, there's usually another one starting soon. Don't let a cancelled session ruin your day.

Step 8: Engage with the Cricket Community

Following cricket tours is more fun when you share it with others. Here's how to get involved:

• Join online discussions – Reddit's r/Cricket, Facebook groups, and Twitter/X threads are full of passionate fans.
• Attend local cricket events – Many clubs host viewing parties or community events during major series.
• Talk to other fans – At the ground, at work, or in your local club. Sharing the experience makes it better.
• Support grassroots cricket – When you're not watching the big tours, head down to your local oval and watch a Sheffield Shield match or club game.

Common mistake: Forgetting that cricket is about community. Don't just watch in isolation. Share the highs and lows with others.

Pro Tips for Following Australian Cricket Tours Like a Pro

These extra tips will take your tour-following game to the next level:

1. Use the CA Live app for push notifications – You'll never miss a match start, wicket, or milestone.
2. Set up Google Alerts for key players – Get notified when top players are in the news.
3. Follow the Sheffield Shield – This is where future Test players prove themselves. If you want to spot the next big thing, watch the Shield.
4. Keep an eye on the WBBL – The women's game is growing fast, and the WBBL is one of the best T20 leagues in the world.
5. Plan your summer around the BBL – The Big Bash League runs from December to January. It's perfect for family viewing and local club outings.
6. Don't forget the ICC Men's T20 World Cup – When it's on, it's a major event. Plan your viewing schedule well in advance.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced cricket fans make these errors. Don't let them catch you out:

• Relying on a single source for schedules – Cross-check everything.
• Forgetting time zone differences – A 10am start in Perth is midnight in Sydney.
• Assuming every series is a Test series – Check the format before you book time off work.
• Ignoring player rest and rotation – Star players don't play every match. Check squad lists.
• Waiting until the last minute to buy tickets – Big matches sell out fast.
• Not checking for schedule changes – Tours can shift by days or weeks.
• Neglecting the women's tours – The Australian women's team is world-class and deserves your attention.

Your Australian Cricket Tours Checklist

Here's a quick-reference checklist you can use every time a new tour approaches:

• Check Cricket Australia's official fixture list
• Identify the major series (Ashes, Border-Gavaskar Trophy, T20 World Cup, etc.)
• Note the format (Test, ODI, T20, or multi-format)
• Add all dates to your calendar with time zone conversions
• Set reminders for series starts and key matches
• Follow official team announcements for squad selections
• Track player availability (injuries, rest, form)
• Check broadcast or streaming options
• Buy tickets early if attending live
• Join online fan communities for updates and discussion
• Check for schedule changes weekly
• Share the experience with friends, family, or your local club

Following Australian cricket tours doesn't have to be complicated. With a bit of organisation and the right tools, you can stay on top of every Ashes series, Border-Gavaskar Trophy battle, BBL season, and T20 World Cup without missing a single ball.

The key is to start early, stay flexible, and engage with the cricket community. Whether you're watching from the MCG stands, your lounge room, or a pub in England, the experience is always better when you're prepared.

Now get that calendar open, start marking those dates, and get ready for another summer of Australian cricket. The next tour is always just around the corner.