The ACT Comets will take a step back in time when they head to Darwin later this month, unveiling a retro playing kit inspired by the team's iconic Mercantile Mutual Cup era as they prepare to compete in the 2026 Study NT Top End T20 Series. The Study NT Top End T20 Series returns to Darwin from 21-30 August, featuring 30 matches across 10 days and bringing together nine teams from Australia and around the world.
The tournament will showcase international representatives, national high-performance programs, Australian domestic teams and some of the brightest emerging talent in T20 cricket.
For the Comets, the tournament presents an important opportunity to continue developing the next generation of ACT cricketers against high-quality opposition in challenging northern conditions.
Adding to the occasion, the squad will wear a specially designed retro playing kit inspired by the ACT Comets' time in the Mercantile Mutual Cup during the late 1990s. The kit pays homage to one of the most recognisable eras in the program's history and aims to strengthen the connection between past and present players. The design revives the iconic look worn by the then Canberra Comets and serves as a reminder of the rich history that has helped shape cricket in the ACT.
ACT Comets player Nic Broes, who will lead the side during the tournament in the absence of captain Scott Murn, said the group was excited by both the challenge ahead and the opportunity to represent the ACT in a kit that carries significant meaning.
"The Top End Series is a fantastic opportunity for our players to test themselves against quality opposition in a high-performance environment," Broes said."We're looking forward to competing against some very strong teams and continuing to build the depth and experience within our program.
"Wearing the retro kit adds another special element to the tournament. It's an iconic part of our history and a great way to acknowledge the players and teams that helped build the foundations of the ACT Comets program.
"We wanted to create a sense of connection and camaraderie within the group, and this kit does exactly that. It reminds our players that they're part of something bigger, representing those who have worn the colours before them while creating their own chapter in the story of ACT cricket."
The ACT Comets open their campaign in Darwin on 21 August and will play a full schedule of T20 matches throughout the 10-day tournament.
All matches will be streamed live on 7plus.
View full schedule here.
ACT Comets NT Top End T20 squad: Nic Broes (C), Nick Allen, Kai Brunker, Dave Dubey, Tom Hogan, Dylan Hunter, Zac Keogh, Zac Maron, Jeet Mehta, Esam Rahman, Jake Smith, Harry Thomas, Ansh Tiwary, Tyler Van Luin