It’s been 21 years since Darwin last hosted a Test match, Australia’s 149-run victory over Sri Lanka in 2004.

Glenn McGrath claimed a five-wicket haul, Adam Gilchrist slapped a dazzling half-century, while a baby-faced Lasith Malinga made his international debut.

Sitting in the stands at Marrara Oval was a nine-year-old Jake Weatherald, enjoying a rare opportunity to watch his childhood heroes within driving distance of his home.

It was the moment he decided he wanted to become an Australian cricketer.

“That experience for me probably drove a lot of my ambition to play for Australia,” Weatherald told Fox Cricket’s this week.

“I got to be around Brett Lee, Jason Gillespie and Darren Lehmann, people that I had watched on TV.

“Then to actually speak to them and get photos, it was an ama

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