Press highlight tri-series troubles

A common theme in Australia’s Saturday papers was the disappointing MCG crowd of just over 38,000 for the first CB Series final, and what that means for the tri-series concept. Andrew Ramsey writes in The Australian the series has had its time.

The simple truth is that the torturous tri-series drags on for at least two weeks too long, and by the time cricket promoters try to manufacture a climax the game's supporters are tuning out because in their minds the cricket season is over.

Greg Baum, in The Age, discusses the causes of the gradual decline in crowds.

Some of the reasons are self-evident. Shane Warne has retired. Since the reformatting of the Australian season, the triangular finals have fallen outside the school holidays. Last night, many young enthusiasts, back in their schooldays routine, were playing cricket instead of watching it (which can be no bad thing).

In his preview to Friday’s game, Ron Reed in the Herald Sun predicted the disappointing supporter base.

Can this really still be the same tour that was being described for months in advance as the most keenly anticipated in memory? It's been going just over three months and is starting to feel like an eternity.