Academy to undergo major redevelopment

Australia's Centre of Excellence is set for a significant overhaul after the federal government confirmed it would provide $17.5 million to help Cricket Australia improve the Brisbane facility. The government's contribution makes up half of the $35 million project which will include a redeveloped indoor training centre, indoor pool and sports medicine facilities.

James Sutherland, the CEO of Cricket Australia, said other countries were catching up to Australia in their training programs and it was important to remain a world leader in the field. He said the redevelopment was part of a strategy to help Australia retain their No. 1 rankings in Test and one-day cricket.

"The Centre of Excellence through the Australian Institute of Sport programs has produced some of Australia's greatest male and female cricketers over the last 20 years," Sutherland said. "There is no doubt that Australia punches above its weight on the international sporting stage."

The Centre of Excellence began as the Cricket Academy in Adelaide in 1987 and has helped to train and develop 265 male players, including 43 who have reached international level, and 44 women's players. The centre moved its base to Brisbane's Allan Border Field in 2004. In addition to the training facilities the new funding will be used for on-site accommodation, office space, and redevelopment of the grandstand.