Colonial rematch for World Cup semi-finalists

World Cup Semi-finalists Australia and South Africa will clash again in an historic three game limited over series at Colonial Stadium in Melbourne next August, the Australian Cricket Board announced today.

The series will be the first time one-day international cricket is played under a roof and will follow on from a similar three game series between the two teams to be played in South Africa in April which was also announced this afternoon.

ACB Chief Executive, Malcolm Speed, said that the two series would bring together two of the best teams in cricket to create history.

"The games between Australia and South Africa at the recent World Cup were two of the greatest games of one-day cricket ever played and it is difficult to think of two better teams to showcase the game in this new state-of-the-art stadium," said Speed.

Australian Captain, Steve Waugh, said that the prospect of a re-match against South Africa was very exciting.

"Playing South Africa at any time is a great contest. The series on their home soil will be terrific but I can't wait to take them on at Colonial Stadium," said Steve.

"As world champions we are keen to protect our title and we will be out to win every game of every series we play in."

South African Captain, Hansie Cronje said that he couldn't wait to take on the Australians again.

"Ever since we were beaten in the World Cup, we've been waiting for the chance to make amends.

"In April, they'll be on our home soil and it gives us a great chance to prove ourselves. The prospect of then travelling to Melbourne to play in Australia at Colonial Stadium just adds to the challenge and excitement of taking on the best one-day team in the world."

The South African series will be played on 12 April in Durban, 14 April in Capetown and 16 April in Johannesburg. The first two games will be day/night matches with the third game a day only match.

The Australian series will be played on Wednesday, 16 August; Friday, 18 August; and Sunday, 20 August next year. It is planned to close the roof for the entire match for all games pending final testing once the stadium is completed.

United Cricket Board of South Africa Chief Executive Dr Ali Bacher, said that the two series were eagerly anticipated.

"It would have been extremely disappointing if after our great contests at the World Cup, people had to wait until December 2001 to see these teams play again. I am delighted that we will now be meeting early next year," said Dr Bacher.

Mr Speed said that the development of Colonial Stadium provided cricket with the flexibility to schedule cricket out of the traditional summer season if needed.

"Colonial Stadium is an excellent sporting facility which is able to offer cricket greater flexibility in when we play the game," said Mr Speed.

"This series against South Africa will allow us to test the stadium for cricket and it may be that we look to schedule this type of series as an annual event."

The last AFL game to be played at the stadium will be the weekend of 7 August 2000, well before the first game of the series.

To make the transition from an AFL ground to a surface suitable for international cricket, the ACB will use a "drop-in" pitch developed by stadium turf consultants, StrathAyr under the direction of former MCG Curator, Peter Semos.

Over 100,000 seats are expected to be available to the public for the three game series.

While it is yet to be finalised, it is expected that the lowest price seat at the stadium will be approximately $25.00 and a family pass for two adults and two children will cost $50.00.

The two series also provides the ACB and with the opportunity to sell the games domestically and internationally.

"Clearly, both these series will be attractive not only to people who attend but also to cricket followers around the world. At this time, the sale of the television rights is not finalised but we are looking forward to completing these negotiations early in the new year," said Mr Speed.