Tru Blu Games has announced Don Bradman Cricket Jr for PC, PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo Switch, set for release on October 14, 2026. This time, the series leaves behind heavy simulation in favor of a fast, cartoon-style arcade cricket experience.

What kind of game is Don Bradman Cricket Jr?

This new title is the latest addition to the Don Bradman series by Australian publisher Tru Blu Games. The last major entry, Don Bradman Cricket 17, was released in December 2016, so the franchise is returning to consoles nearly a decade later.

Jr takes a different approach than its predecessors. Tru Blu describes the game as “easy to pick up, rewarding to master.” The characters are chunky and caricatured, and matches can be wrapped up in just a few minutes if you wish.

Game modes and features

According to Tru Blu Games, there are five main modes:

• Quick Match: Jump straight into a match by picking your teams.
• Tournaments: Series, cups, and knockout-style tournaments.
• Challenges: Batting and bowling tasks that start simple and get tougher.
• Couch Multiplayer: Two-player split screen on the same device.
• AI vs AI: Watch the AI play matches against itself.

Matches can be set up in limited overs or test formats. You can adjust wickets, overs, and the number of days, as well as select separate difficulty levels for batting and bowling. Save your progress at any time and pick up exactly where you left off.

Timing, power, and shot placement are key when batting. In bowling, you control line, length, speed, spin, and field setup. Since the direction of the ball depends on your bat movement, the developers promise no two shots will ever feel the same. We’ll see how this plays out in the first gameplay videos.

No official licenses, but Bradman is here

The game features 20 generic international teams. According to IGN, there are no official team or player licenses, with Sir Donald Bradman being the only real name included. If you complete the Bradman Challenge Round, you’ll unlock the legendary player as Australia’s captain.

This challenge also unlocks a mini-game. Bradman’s famous childhood backyard training, hitting a golf ball against a water tank with a single stump, is included as Bradman vs Water Tank. A fun nod for longtime fans of the series.

Platforms and release date

The exact release date hasn’t been revealed yet. Tru Blu says only “coming soon,” and the PlayStation Store page also lists it as TBA. The Australian classification board has given the game a G (general audience) rating. With this step complete, launch day likely isn’t far off.

Get ready for launch

Don Bradman Cricket Jr will be sold digitally, but pricing hasn’t been announced yet. If you want to be ready on launch day, you can top up your account funds in advance. For PC, grab a Steam Wallet Code; for PlayStation, a PlayStation Store Gift Card; and on Switch, a Nintendo eShop Gift Card will get you set.

If deep simulations like Big Ant Studios’ Cricket 24 feel too intense, Jr could be a fun, lighter alternative for couch co-op sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will Don Bradman Cricket Jr be released?

No official release date has been given. Tru Blu Games says it’s “coming soon.”

Which platforms will the game be available on?

Announced for PC (Steam), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch.

Are there real teams and players in the game?

No. There are 20 generic international teams. The only licensed name is Sir Donald Bradman, unlocked via an in-game challenge.

Is there a multiplayer mode?

Two-player split screen is supported on the same device. Online play hasn’t been announced yet.