Cricket Australia (CA) has officially opened the new world-class National Cricket Centre in Brisbane, marking a new chapter in high performance training and preparation for Australia’s elite cricketers.
The new $29 million facility, based at Allan Border Field in Albion, was officially opened by Queensland Premier Campbell Newman, Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland, Queensland Minister for National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing Steve Dickson, Australian Test Captain Michael Clarke, and Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars Captain Jodie Fields.
The National Cricket Centre features state-of-the-art indoor and outdoor training facilities and equipment that will enable coaches and sports science staff to enhance the development of Australian cricketers, helping them prepare for the demands of domestic and international competition.
Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland said the National Cricket Centre will provide the support Australian cricketers need to excel on the world stage.
“Our vision is for cricket to be Australia’s favourite sport and a sport for all Australians. There are many things we need to do to achieve that. Men’s and women’s teams that are on top of the world game are key to Australian cricket’s popularity. This new facility will help us with that objective, through its work supporting the champions of today and tomorrow,” said Mr Sutherland.
“True to its name, the National Cricket Centre will be a resource for players across the country. It will allow young cricketers coming through the system to benefit from world-class facilities and outstanding coaching staff.
“Off the field, the National Cricket Centre is an important symbol of collaboration. The project is a great example of how governments and sport can work together to achieve great outcomes. Thanks to the Federal and State Governments and the people of Queensland Cricket, we have been able to create a cricket training facility that is second to none. “
The National Cricket Centre will include an indoor training centre with a variety of simulated match surfaces that will help players hone their skills on pace and spin friendly wickets. Biomechanical force plates and an advanced motion analysis camera system will be a key feature of all-new sports science facilities, allowing high performance staff to assist players understand and maximise their own physical capabilities.
A new rehabilitation centre includes a three-lane, 25-metre lap pool and a hot and cold plunge pool. It also houses three medical consulting rooms, a physio treatment area and a gymnasium with an anti-gravity treadmill that will assist in the rehabilitation of injured players.
Cricket Australia’s High Performance staff will operate out of the new building that will also include two lecture theatres named after former Australian stars, Ricky Ponting and Karen Rolton.
The redevelopment of CA ‘s high performance facility is the result of a joint project involving the Federal Government, the Queensland Government, Brisbane City Council, Cricket Australia, Queensland Cricket, project managers Johnstaff and builders Watpac.
Prime Minister of Australia Tony Abbott said the launch of the new Centre is great news for Australian cricket:
"Australians have an almost ingrained love of cricket. That's why the opening of the National Cricket Centre is so welcome.
The new Centre should give us a more competitive edge in the years ahead," said Mr Abbott.
Premier of Queensland Campbell Newman also expressed his Government’s support of the Centre and of cricket in Queensland:
“The Queensland Government is proud to support this state-of-the-art facility as we’re big believers in the role sport plays promoting healthy lifestyles, especially among our children,” said Queensland Premier Campbell Newman.
“We see the potential of cricket – and all junior sport for that matter – to encourage our kids to get involved and stay active. Our flagship Get in the Game program has helped 242 young cricketers by providing over $34,000 towards the cost of joining a cricket club; and supported 19 clubs across Queensland with over $300,000 in grants.”