The Australian Cricket Board (ACB) announced today that it is confident the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is complying with the upgraded ground security and crowd behaviour standards established by the International Cricket Council (ICC).

The ICC has recently advised that venues not able to comply with tough new standards could risk losing their rights to stage international cricket.

ACB Chief Executive Officer James Sutherland said there had been instances of poor behaviour by a minority of spectators in recent years.

"The recurrence of crowd trouble at some one-day international cricket matches in recent times has resulted in the risk of international cricket being taken away from the MCG," Mr Sutherland said.

However, Mr Sutherland said he is expecting the crowd at the MCG this year to exhibit the same controlled excitement seen at other grounds this summer.

"We are expecting strong crowds for international cricket at the MCG this summer and we are confident the MCG patrons will enjoy the spectacle in a safe and secure environment," he said.

"Changes made to crowd management processes after the first one-day international match at the MCG last summer resulted in a marked improvement for the rest of that season and standards are even more stringent for this season."

New measures for season 2002-03 include an increased police and security presence, an increase in surveillance cameras and new responsible alcohol service standards limiting sales to two plastic cups of low-alcohol beer per purchase in certain areas and no wine or spirits in certain areas.

External, pre-game security surveillance has also been scheduled and all bags will be searched upon patrons' entrance into the ground.

Mr Sutherland said the ACB had worked closely on security issues with the Melbourne Cricket Club, as venue managers, Cricket Victoria, as event managers, and Victoria Police in the lead up to Melbourne's first one-day international, an Australia versus England day/night game on Sunday (15 December).

"The public, the players and officials have a right to feel comfortable about being at the MCG, just as they do at other grounds around Australia," he said.

"We are confident the measures to be implemented this Sunday at the MCG will improve crowd behaviour and increase the safety of players and spectators."

For more information please contact:

Peter Young, ACB General Manager, Public Affairs, on 0425 764 693; Patrick O'Beirne, ACB Corporate Communications Manager, on 0408 99 88 56.