Fans encouraged to secure last available seats for Sydney Test

Cricket Australia today encouraged cricket fans to secure their seat for the 3-sponsored fourth Test against India beginning in Sydney on 2 January, with ticket sales for the match selling rapidly.

The fourth Test, likely to be Australian captain Stephen Waugh's farewell Test match before his home crowd at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), is close to a sell-out on the first three days.

No tickets remain for day two of the Test (3 January), while less than 1,000 are on offer for days one (2 January) and three (4 January).

Tickets for day four (5 January) are still available in most categories.

Cricket Australia Chief Executive Officer James Sutherland said it was prudent for cricket fans to purchase their tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.

"The Sydney Test match in January is shaping up to be a memorable and emotional sporting event in many respects," said Mr Sutherland.

"Obviously it could be the last international match in the distinguished career of Stephen Waugh, but given it's the final Test in the four-match series, the series result may come down to this last Test.

"While tickets to the Test are selling quickly there are still some seats available.

"At this stage, day four presents patrons with the best chance to secure a quality seat and there'll still be plenty of life in the wicket, and hopefully the match will be very much in the balance.

"For these reasons, we encourage all fans to secure their seat and be part of the tremendous atmosphere at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Once the wicket for the Test has been confirmed mid next week, it is possible a further 1,000 concourse tickets will be released to the public.

If the Test is sold-out, it will be televised live in Sydney subject to agreement between Cricket Australia, Cricket New South Wales, the Sydney Cricket Ground Trust and the Nine Network.

The ground capacity of the SCG is approximately 43,500 including public seating and SCG Trust members.

Ticket sales for the 3-sponsored third Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) beginning on 26 December are selling at a steady rate.

"While the MCG has the largest ground capacity, it is timely to remember that day one of last year's Test against England in Melbourne was sold out," said Mr Sutherland.

-more- "With the reduced seating available at the ground because of the redevelopment works, it is important for fans to secure their seats early to avoid disappointment."

In 1999-2000, the last time India toured Australia, 106,636 people attended the Sydney Test match over five days - the largest crowd for the venue against this opponent.

Tickets for the 3-sponsored fourth Test against India at the SCG can be purchased through Ticketek on 02 9266 4800 or www.ticketek.com.au.