SRI Lanka 2016 Test Match Cricket Tour

SRI Lanka 2016 Test Match cricket tour

1 Welcome Welcome from Merv Hughes Australian Sports Tours is proud to invite you on tour to Sri Having had to wait five years between Sri Lankan drinks, Lanka in July and August 2016. The Aussies take on hosts Sri WelcomeAustralian cricket fans now get a chance to visit one of the worlds Lanka to contest the Warne-Muralitharan Trophy in a three most scenic and friendly countries. Test Match Series, followed by 5 ODIs and 2 T20 Internationals. AST professional staff have once again used their immense local experience and knowledge to put together the perfect blend We have released a 17 day tour that takes in the first Test in of cricket, sightseeing and five star hospitality. An extremely Kandy and second Test to be held in Galle. In addition to this, affordable place to travel, there isn’t a local to be found that won’t we have also created a 10 day escorted tour covering the third have an opinion on the outcome of this extremely important Test in Columbo. series. Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy will host Join me for Australia’s much anticipated return to Test cricket in its second ever Test Match between these two nations - the Sri Lanka and see Steve Smith lead a team hungry to maintain only other Test resulting in a draw back in 2011. The Galle their dominance of the original and still the best form of the International Stadium has featured 3 Tests with Australia game. winning 2 of those. Since our last Test in Galle in 2011, the See you in Colombo! ground has been somewhat of a Sri Lankan stronghold with Merv Hughes the locals winning 6 out of their last 9 Test Matches here. AST Tour Host

Sri Lanka is home to beautiful tropical beaches, cooler temperate rain forests and vast plantations of the world’s finest tea. With a kaleidoscope of attractions, history, climate and geography contained within an island smaller than Tasmania, Sri Lanka is a tourist’s dream. Highlights include the beach side town of Hikkaduwa, the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Galle Fort, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy and the highest density of leopards in the world in Yala National Park.

All of these are enhanced by the combination of local hospitality, superb cuisine and a shared love for the game of cricket; a sure fire topic of conversation with any Sri Lankan.

This is truly a unique opportunity to support our boys and experience the amazing island country that is Sri Lanka!

The team at Australian Sports Tours

astsports.com.au | 1800 026 668 1st & 2nd test TOUR HIGHLIGHTS ** Welcome • Guaranteed hospitality tickets including $$ lunch for the 1st and 2nd Tests 5,4905,490 • * twin/double share Four (4) and five (5) star accommodation Single $supplement1,900 throughout • Three (3) game drives in Yala National Park • Historic train journey from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya • Services of Australian cricketing legend Merv Hughes • Services of experienced AST Tour Rep • Two (2) all inclusive functions with Merv Hughes and featuring international cricketers as guest speakers • Coach travel throughout with airport and match transfers as detailed in itinerary • One way train journey from Kandy to rd Nuwara Eliya 3 test • AST tour merchandise tour HIGHLIGHTS • Guaranteed hospitality tickets including Matches included lunch for the 3rd Test • Nine (9) nights accommodation staying in ST Pallekele 1 TEST Tue 26 - Sat 30 Jul: premium accommodation throughout * International Cricket Stadium, Kandy * • Breakfast daily ND Galle $$ 2 TEST Thu 4 – Mon 8 Aug: • Sightseeing tour of Colombo International Stadium, Galle 2,7952,795 • Entry into Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage * twin/double share Single $supplement • Entry into Sigiriya Rock Fortress 1,395 • Entry and tour of Polonnaruwa • Entry into Dambulla Rock Temple • Services of experienced AST Tour Rep • AST tour merchandise Matches included 3RD TEST: Sat 13 - Wed 17 Aug: Sinhalese Sport Club, Colombo

astsports.com.au | 1800 026 668 3 Test One Test Two Pallekele International Galle International Stadium Galle International Stadium is a cricket stadium in Galle, Sri Lanka, Cricket Stadium situated near the Galle fort and fringed on two sides by the Indian Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, also known as Muttiah Ocean. It is considered to be one of the most picturesque cricket Muralitharan International Cricket Stadium is one of the newest grounds in the world. cricket stadiums in Sri Lanka and the newest in the city of Kandy. Galle International Stadium has featured 3 Tests with Australia Pallekele International Cricket Stadium will host its 2nd ever Test winning 2 of those. Since our last Test in Galle in 2011, the ground Match between these two nations - the only other Test resulting in has been somewhat of a Sri Lankan stronghold with the locals a draw back in 2011 winning 6 out of their last 9 Test Matches here.

Sri Lanka Address: Monday 26 - Saturday 30 July 2016 Test Date: Thursday 4 - Monday 8 Aug 2016 Address: Pallekele, Kandy Address: Colombo Rd, Galle Cricket Grounds Capacity: 35,000 Capacity: 35,000 Established: 2009 Established: 1876 End Names: Hunnasgiriya End End Names: City End Rikillagaskada End Fort End

astsports.com.au | 1800 026 668 Test three Sinhalese Sports Club Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo is the headquarters for Sri Lanka Cricket and will host the 3rd and final Test Match of the 2016 Australia and Sri Lanka Series. This Test Match venue has been a happy hunting ground for the Aussies with two wins and two draws coming from their four matches here. It has also seen some almighty efforts from their local heroes – with the ball Rangana Herath took 9-127 in an innings in 2014, Chaminda Vaas claimed Test Match figures of 14-191 in 2001 and Muralitharan set a world record of 8-19 in an 2001 ODI. With the bat Jayawardene made an epic 374 against South Africa, Sangakkara has made three Test Match double centuries here and as a team Sri Lanka have made their highest Test innings score of 5-756 dec.

Test Date: Saturday 13 - Wednesday 17 August 2016 Address: Maitland Pl, Colombo Capacity: 10,000 Established: 1952 End Names: Tennis Courts End South End

5 Yala National Park Yala National Park is situated in Sri Lanka’s south-east hugging the panoramic Indian Ocean. Yala was designated a wildlife sanctuary in 1900 and then a national park in 1938. Ironically, the park was initially used as a hunting ground for the elite under British rule. Yala is home to 44 varieties of mammal and 215 bird species. Among its more famous residents are the world’s biggest concentration of leopards, majestic elephants, sloth bears, sambars, jackals, spotted dear, peacocks, and crocodiles. Yala Facts Area: 980km2 Climate: dry most of the year Average temp: 26.4 °C Best time to visit: June to September Sri Lanka boasts the big four of wildlife Location: 260km south-east of Colombo including sloth bears, elephants, leopards and wild buffalo

astsports.com.au | 1800 026 668 Jetwing Yala Jetwing Yala is located 4km from Yala National Park one of the best wildlife destinations in Asia. Jetwing Yala is a combination of amazing luxury with awe-inspiring wildlife. Set on 38 acres adjoining the Indian Ocean, Jetwing off ers extensive views of these vibrant surroundings, Featuring private balconies and canopy beds, these cool, earthy rooms are in easy reach of the swimming pool and ocean, and come equipped with free wi-fi and flat-screens TVs. Jetwing Yala is a hotel which seamlessly blends in with its surroundings. It will undoubtedly delight wildlife enthusiasts, safari holidaymakers and those that just want to soak up the sun, sand and sounds of the wildlife.

astsports.com.au | 1800 026 668 7 Day 1 Sun 24 Jul: Colombo Depart Australia from your local capital city for your Tonight you will be our guest at our all inclusive international flight to Colombo, Sri Lanka. Due to the welcome dinner which will be hosted by Merv Hughes late night scheduling of flights from Australia into and feature a guest speaker. Colombo, upon arrival you will be met at the airport Overnight: Ozo Kandy or similar and transferred to a nearby hotel where you can relax and recover from the long flight in comfortable Days 3-7 Tue 26 - Sat 30 Jul: 1st Test, surroundings ready to start our touring fresh in the morning. Australia v Sri Lanka - International Accommodation: Cinnamon Grand Colombo or similar Cricket Stadium, Pallekele st nd Following breakfast and a pre match preview with Merv 1 & 2 Test Day 2 Mon 25 Jul: Kandy each morning, we make our way to Sri Lanka’s newest stadium, the International Cricket Stadium in Pallekele, Following breakfast we depart Colombo for the venue st of the highly anticipated 1st Test Match – Kandy. Once for the 1 of this three match series. 2016 Sri Lanka checked in to our Kandy hotel, the afternoon is free to In 2011 at this venue, the visitors got off to a great start head out and explore the sacred Buddhist city known by dismissing Sri Lanka for 174 runs – wickets were for its culture, beauty and cool, relaxed climate and shared amongst the bowlers with Ryan Harris claiming // 24 July - 9 August 2016 way of life. 3, Trent Copeland, Mitchell Johnson, Nathan Lyon all // 17 Days/16 Nights Kandy is the former capital of the Sinhalese Kingdom taking 2 apiece while Mike Hussey chimed in for 1. In that eventually fell to the British after holding out from reply the Aussies led by Test debutant Shaun Marsh (141) and Mike Hussey (142) forged a big lead of 237 the Portuguese and Dutch for over 300 years, and its nd most famous attraction is the Temple of the Sacred heading into the 2 innings, but it was all for nothing Tooth Relic. Believed to hold a tooth from Buddha as the home team dug their heels in and with the himself, the temple is the most important Buddhist assistance of some rain managed to hold the Aussies symbol in the country and the main pilgrimage site in out and force a draw. Sri Lanka. Overnight: Ozo Kandy or similar astsports.com.au | 1800 026 668 Day 8 Sun 31 Jul: Nuwara Eliya Train Journey Day 10 Tue 2 Aug: Yala National Park Days 12-16 Thu 4 – Mon 8 Aug: 2nd Test, Australia v Today will be a real treat for our group as we embark on a Sri Lanka boasts the Big 4 of wildlife including elephants, sloth Sri Lanka - Galle International Stadium spectacular train journey from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya. Known as bears, leopards and the wild buffalo and on today’s two drives we Each morning after breakfast and a pre match briefing with Merv, one of the world’s most beautiful train trips, on this route we will hope to see them all. We will be out early this morning to make the we head to Galle for the second Test between Sri Lanka and wind our way through some of Sri Lanka’s picturesque landscapes most of our time in this beautiful part of Sri Lanka with a break for Australia. thanks to continuous rolling hills of tea plantations and forest. lunch before returning to the jeeps and our final drive through this st This is a fantastic opportunity to see parts of Sri Lanka you would massive Park and hopefully catching out the elusive leopard and Galle was the venue for the 1 Test back in the 2011 Series normally bypass in favour of large cities. Once we arrive into black sloth bear at dusk. and the Aussies got the win they needed to take home the Nuwara Eliya, we will be transferred to our accommodation for Warne-Muralitharan Trophy. Australia batted first and with Mike It will be back to our luxurious hotel following this big day to Hussey top scoring on 95, compiled 273 runs. In reply Sri Lanka the evening before heading onto Yala National Park tomorrow unwind and relax before we head to Galle tomorrow morning. morning. were decimated by Test debutant Nathan Lyon taking 5-34 and Overnight: Jetwing Yala or similar restricting the home side to 105 runs. The Aussies consolidated in Overnight: Grand Hotel or similar the 2nd innings forging a lead of 378 runs and then with Ryan Harris Galle Day 9 Mon 1 Aug: Yala National Park Day 11 Wed 3 Aug: taking another 5 wicket haul (5-62) the result was never in doubt. This morning following breakfast we make our way along the On the evening of Day 4 of this Test, you will be a guest at our We make our way to Yala National Park this morning and arrive in south-western part of Sri Lanka to the venue of the 2nd Test Match farewell dinner hosted by Merv Hughes and featuring a guest time for an afternoon game drive of this fantastic park. – Galle. speaker. Situated in Sri Lanka’s south-east hugging the panoramic Indian The city of Galle remains the best example of a fortified city built Accommodation: Hikka Tranz by Cinnamon or similar Ocean, Yala was designated a wildlife sanctuary in 1900 and then by the Portuguese during their period of reign in the country. The a national park in 1938. Ironically, the park was initially used as a Galle Fort is the most important landmark in the city and is rightly Day 17 Tue 9 Aug: Tour Concludes hunting ground for the elite under British rule. Yala is home to 44 listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Galle was the chief port varieties of mammal and 215 bird species. Among its more famous It will be mixed feelings today as we say goodbye to new friends of Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) for over 200 years and now it is a city after an unforgettable holiday experience. Tour members will be residents are the world’s biggest concentration of leopards, thriving with artists, traders and tourists. majestic elephants, sloth bears, sambars, jackals, spotted dear, transferred back to Colombo (city centre) where they can either peacocks, and crocodiles. Overnight: Hikka Tranz by Cinnamon or similar head to the airport for flights home to Australia or stay on and experience more unbelievable moments in this unique country. Overnight: Jetwing Yala or similar

9 ** $$5,4905,490 * twin/double share Single $supplement1,900

Day 1 Tue 9 Aug: Colombo Now the economic, administrative and political capital of Sri Lanka, Colombo is a city that is fast changing its face. Upon arriving into Colombo, we will head out on a guided sightseeing tour of the city, experiencing both the rapid modern development and the remnants of the colonial old world charm. The Fort and Pettah Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo is the headquarters rd districts of town are two of the oldest and have been for Sri Lanka Cricket and will host the 3 and final Test variously developed by The Moors, Portuguese, Dutch Match of the 2016 Australia and Sri Lanka Series. and British leaving behind a wealth of preserved rd colonial buildings, temples, bazaars and museums. 3 Test On top of the cricket, we will also take the cultural Accommodation: Cinnamon Grand Colombo or similar highroad and make the trip to Central Province where we will visit Pinnawala, Dambulla, Polonnaruwa and Day 2 Wed 10 Aug: Pinnawala 2016 Sri Lanka Sigiriya to experience some of Sri Lanka’s most ancient This morning we travel to Central Province with our first and traditional sites. stop coming at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. // 9 - 18 August 2016 Originally established in 1975 as an educational and conservation centre to support seven orphaned calves; // 10 Days/9 Nights it is now famous for its scientific captive breeding program. The ability for the elephants to roam freely around the sanctuary led to mating opportunities and the first baby of Pinnawala was born in 1984. The sanctuary is now home to over 80 elephants of all ages, including the original seven and some of their children and grandchildren who you can get up close and personal with, even getting the chance to feed astsports.com.au | 1800 026 668 them and lead them to the river where they wash themselves daily. After this sightseeing tour, we will make our way back to Colombo Day 10 Thu 18 Aug: Tour Concludes From here we continue on to our award winning eco-designed in preparation for tomorrow’s start of the 3rd and Final Test Match luxury 5 star hotel – the Heritance Kandalama Hotel. of this Series. It will be mixed feelings today as we say goodbye to new friends after an unforgettable holiday experience. Tour members will Overnight: Heritance Kandalama Hotel or similar Overnight: Cinnamon Grand Colombo or similar either board flights home to Australia or stay on and experience Days 3 Thu 11 Aug: Sigiriya Rock Fortress Day 5-9 Sat 13 - Wed 17 Aug: 3rd Test, Australia v Sri more unbelievable moments in this unique country. This morning we visit another UNESCO World Heritage site and Lanka – Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo climb to the Sigiriya Rock Fortress for stunning views and world Each morning following breakfast, you will be transferred to the renowned frescoes. Debate rages as to whether the “Lion Rock” Sinhalese Sports Club to see all of the action of the 3rd Test Match was built by King Kashyapa at the end of the 5th century as an unfold. unassailable fortress or as a monastery by Buddhist Monks in the 3rd century BC, but either way Sri Lanka’s miniature answer to We last played a Test Match at this venue back in 2011 where the Machu Picchu is a breath taking sight to behold. match ended in a tough draw. Australia were sent in to bat first and only 4 players reached double figures – Shaun Marsh made Following this amazing visit, we head to the World Heritage Site a solid 81 and Mike Hussey starred with 118 runs – with the team of Polonnaruwa – the medieval capital and crown jewel of King making 316. Sri Lanka in reply had contributors everywhere as Parakramabahu I – which is home to Stupas, Buddha Statues, they compiled 473 runs with Peter Siddle being the chief wicket Irrigation Canals, Hindu Sculptures and beautiful Stone Carvings. taker with 4-91. It was quite a slow moving Test Match and once Overnight: Heritance Kandalama or similar Phil Hughes (126) and Michael Clarke (112) both made tons in the Aussies 2nd innings, it ensured the match would finish in a draw. Day 4 Fri 12 Aug: Dambulla Rock Cave Temple Overnight: JCinnamon Grand Colombo or similar Following breakfast this morning, we will visit the famed Dambulla Rock Cave Temple, known to have been used since the 1st century AD and consisting of five caves converted into shrines with over 150 statues of Buddha spread throughout. More frescoes on the ceilings here depict scenes from Buddha’s life and important events from the country’s history. 11 SRI LANKA 2016 Australia return to Sri Lanka for the first time since 2011 and will contest a three Test Match Series where the Warne-Muralitharan Trophy is back up for grabs. On our last trip to these shores the Aussies ground out a hard fought 1-0 Series win - can Steve Smith’s men repeat the dose again in 2016? Matches 26 - 30 Jul 1st Test* Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy 4 - 8 Aug 2nd Test* Galle International Stadium, Galle 13 - 17 Aug 3rd Test** Sinhalese Sport Club, Colombo Flight Information All tours and package prices are exclusive of international flights. Please contact our office if you require assistance with booking your flights. Visa Information A visa is required for all Australian passport holders to visit Sri Lanka. A US$35pp visa application fee will apply. You can apply for a visa: 1. Online – Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) 2. At the time of arrival at special counters at the airport See www.eta.gov.lk for more information. Travel Insurance Travel Insurance is not included in our travel packages or tours, however it is highly recommended as all payments made are non- refundable. To make the most of your travel insurance, you should consider buying your policy when you pay your first deposit as cancellation coverage starts as soon as you have your policy number. We have a long standing relationship with SureSave Insurance and will be able to organise this for you. We will also be offering all tour members a 25% discount on all policies. Please contact our office and one of our staff members will be happy to assist you with a quote. It is important to note you will need to make SureSave aware of any pre-existing medical conditions you may have. SureSave Pty Limited ABN 82 137 885 262 AR339902 is an Authorised Representative of Cerberus Special Risks Pty Limited ABN 81 115 932 173, AFS Licence No 308461 (Cerberus). FanFirm ABN 83 086 094 671 is a distributor for Cerberus. * We will attend these tests as part of our escorted tour astsports.com.au** The third | 1800test 026 is 668part of our test match package option CLIENT testimonialsCLIENT TESTIMONIALS “Tim was very helpful and responded to emails promptly and attended to small details. It was good to have a ‘go-to’ person with all my queries - thanks Tim.

Merv was a caring host under his outward manner. His knowledge of cricket was a highlight and his general stirring along the way added to the enjoyment of the tour.

San was a very attentive tour leader who catered for our needs, his cheerful and friendly nature added to his professionalism. Appreciated the AFL scores.”

- Pat McLeod “San (tour leader) & Merv were both Sri Lanka Cricket Tour 2011 fantastic, cannot wait for my next tour with them both. The actual work San does, a lot of people don’t realise how diff icult his job is. For me, everything was great, had a fantastic time.

It’s not hard to enjoy yourself on the tours “I choose AST because they have been consistently professional and you really don’t have to worry about and live up to expectations each time I travel with you. I have no anything except where the hotel bar is.” reservations about recommending AST to my friends.” - Michael Price - Susan Lyons Sri Lanka Cricket Tour 2011 Sri Lanka Cricket Tour 2011

“Tim Smith was very helpful. San Khoo did a great job and Merv Hughes was a great host. A very enjoyable trip”

- Bill Wilson Sri Lanka Cricket Tour 2011

13 Book now and guarantee your place on our Sri Lanka tour by visiting our website or contacting our office: 1800 026 668 | www.astsports.com.au astsports.com.au | 1800 026 668