Cardiff in running for one-day Test (6 July 1999)

6 July 1999

Cardiff in running for one-day Test

Charles Randall

England's authorities have hinted that at least one match from the newly expanded programme of international one-dayers next summer will be held at a non-Test venue, with Cardiff top of the list.

The triangular tournament between England, West Indies and Zimbabwe will produce 10 matches, including the final, offering scope for the England Cricket Board to experiment with venues outside the six Test grounds.

The first of a new generation of provincial venues is the Welsh National Cricket Centre in Cardiff, which was officially opened yesterday. The Sophia Gardens ground, used by Glamorgan, successfully hosted the World Cup match between Australia and New Zealand.

A decision is likely to be made next month. Other potential venues are Durham's Riverside ground at Chester-le-Street and Hampshire's new headquarters at Southampton.

Hugh Morris, technical director for the ECB, said the board considered Cardiff a "major venue". He added: "This is an ideal venue for international cricket and I think it will be here next season."

Source :: The Electronic Telegraph