INTERNATIONAL turf curating icon Les Burdett OAM has been unveiled as the Official Ambassador for the opening week of the 2025 Spirit of Cricket Festivale in Mildura.
Burdett will bring his vast years of expertise to one of the fastest growing events in the masters form of the game.
The celebrated former head curator of the Adelaide Oval for more than 40 years will play an exciting role during the Global International Series from September 16-23 lending his knowledge for a monumental benefit to the local cricket community in Mildura.
He is set to headline the certified presentation dinner for the Festivale aboard the famous PS Mundoo.
The storied turf specialist will also run mentoring clinics for Sunraysia curators assisting them in the preparation for the event ensuring Global International Series players compete on world-class wickets.
“It’s great to be coming back to Mildura to see how the local turf wickets are progressing,” said Burdett.
“I’m really looking forward to reconnecting with the Sunraysia curators and talking all things turf wicket preparation.”
Burdett’s return to Mildura marks a near 15 year absence since his last voyage for the Willowfest Tournament.
His involvement in this year’s event has been viewed as both symbolic and strategic in terms of the powerful foundation that is being built for the growth of veterans’ cricket.
Managing director of Spirit of Cricket Global Anthony Telfer reinforced the immense value Burdett’s inclusion carries.
“Les joined us many years ago, and it’s a privilege to have him return for the Global Spirit of Cricket Festivale,” said Telfer.
“His knowledge, presence, and passion for the game will leave a lasting legacy – not just on the wickets, but on the people who maintain them.”
Burdett is widely considered as a global authority on turf management having conducted work with the International Cricket Council, Cricket Australia as well as high quality grounds across India, South Africa, Malaysia, and New Zealand during his remarkable tenure.
Yet for Burdett, the true rewards of his time in cricket go beyond the ovals.
“The most satisfying part of my career has been the friendships I’ve made along the way,” said Burdett.
“From the late David Hookes to Darren Lehmann, and players such as Adam Gilchrist, and the West Indies’ paceman Joel Garner – these connections mean everything.”
Alongside his wide ranging on-field body of work, Burdett has continued to impact the sport internationally with his consulting business that provides elite guidance to major venues all over the globe.
As well as running Les Burdett Consulting Pty Ltd, he is an ambassador for Variety SA and a keynote speaker, talking on a plethora of his cricket stories with the wisdom garnered from lengthy years as a crucial figure in the behind the scenes aspects of the game.
Burdett was awarded his Medal of the Order of Australia in 2008 and then presented the Key to the City of Adelaide after his curating retirement in 2010.
The Spirit of Cricket Festivale has quickly become a landmark event for the masters aspect of the sport and Burdett’s presence further projects it’s magnitude while ensuring the competition will be staged on wickets of internal standard, with a touch of Adelaide Oval prestige.
