Indoor Masters Championships (Over 35s/50s)

Cricket Australia’s Indoor Masters Championships has arrived at the business end of the tournament, with players reaching the semi-final and finals stages.

Beginning last Saturday and lasting seven days, teams from across Australia – and one from New Zealand - converged on Northern Queensland for the fierce competition.

Having run since 1984 and seeing the likes of former Australian quick Bruce Reid take part, the contest has earned plaudits from onlookers for astonishing batting, bowling and fielding.

WATCH: Australian Indoor Masters Championships Over 40s/45s LIVE

The tournament consists of over-35s, over-40s, over-45s and over-50s divisions with Queensland dominating the week and reaching the knockout stages in each age group.

More than 250 players have taken part during the week with the Mackay Regional Council releasing figures of a $1.5million economic increase whilst the tournament progressed.

Cricket Australia’s Indoor Cricket Manager Paul Milo says that whilst the sport is full of camaraderie and fun, the courts see some intense competition at its height.

“It’s a week where some of the older boys get to show their stuff and take part in the elite set up of cricket, but while it’s played in good spirit, there is no doubting that these guys are here to represent their state and win,” Mr Milo said.

Players also have an added incentive, with 2016 being a Masters World Series year - every three years - with the best performed players going on to represent Australia in the United Kingdom.

“There is the heightened bonus of the World Series and selection, with national selectors keeping a close eye on performances and selecting the squads accordingly.

“We go in as favourite in every age division and expect to come home with four trophies so we will be taking the best and most competitive side possible.”

The Masters is the first of four Indoor Cricket tournament cricket Australia runs, alongside the Juniors, Opens and the Trans-Tasman series, a first for the sport.

Indoor Cricket is a recognised part of the Australian Cricket Pathway and sees more than 180,000 participants playing across the country.

For more information head to www.indoor.cricket.com.au or via Twitter at @CA_Indoor.

LIVE STREAM TIMES

COURT TWO:

11AM - Over 50s: NSW v QLD

1.30PM - Over 35s: NSW v QLD

COURT FOUR:

11AM - Over 45s: QLD v WA

1.30PM - Over 40s: QLD v ACT