Cricket Australia has announced that Specsavers has signed on as the official eyewear and eye care partner of Cricket Australia and the women’s and men’s Australian Cricket teams.

The three-year deal will ensure the players of both the women’s and men’s Australian Cricket teams and Australian domestic cricket umpires have a sharp eye for the summer of cricket. The partnership will see all Australian international players and domestic umpires have access to regular eye tests and eyewear if and when required throughout the season. 

Cricket Australia’s head of commercial sales & partnerships, Michael da Costa-Alves, said the partnership is set to be a strong and fruitful one.

“We are delighted to welcome such a well-known brand as Specsavers into the Cricket Australia family and are looking forward to working together over the next three years. The Specsavers partnership represents further commercial investment into domestic cricket in Australia and demonstrates the inherent value of an association with cricket.”

Marketing director at Specsavers, Sarah McInnes said she was proud to be working with Cricket Australia to ensure the players and umpires have optimum vision on the field. 

“Healthy eyesight is so important, whether playing cricket or watching the game, so that’s why we encourage all players and fans to have an eye test at least once every two years.

“With cricket taking place during summer, glare can be a real issue for players. Polarising your sunglasses can combat this and provide superior vision in bright light. Specsavers is ready to offer support to the team so they are in top condition when competing this season.”

In addition, Specsavers is set to become the official sponsor of Australian Domestic Cricket Umpires, with branding to be worn by JLT One Day Cup, JLT Sheffield Shield, and WNCL umpires from the 2018-19 season onwards. The partnership will be enhanced by Specsavers’ existing sponsorship of the English Cricket Board (ECB), allowing the optical brand to leverage an association with both teams across the upcoming Ashes summer.

The Specsavers partnership is the eighth announcement of its type by Cricket Australia this year, highlighting the continued strong commercial interest the sport.