More winter cricket in pipeline

A second winter international cricket series is being planned here following initial signs of success of Wednesday's one-day indoor match between Australia and South Africa.

Australian Cricket Board chief executive Malcolm Speed said opportunities for follow-up matches next southern winter were limited by a heavy program, but possibilities were being examined.

"There is only a limited window (next year)," Speed said. "But we believe the concept has a future."

Despite the bitter cold -- and the fact that Melbourne is in the midst of the Australian Football League finals -- the city's sporting public gave the match at the newly-built Colonial Stadium the thumbs up.

The first cricket match at the 48,000-capacity stadium in the city's docklands precinct was played on a pitch laid only four days ago, but one which stood up remarkably well.

"So far it's been very successful," Speed said. He admitted the pitch and the outfield had been concerns prior to the match, but both had come through well.

Speed's feelings on the first official international to be played under a roof were mirrored by South African cricket boss Dr Ali Bacher. "I think there's a terrific future for the series," Bacher said.

Mail Cricket Editor