SACA disappointed on Centre of Excellence loss

The South Australian Cricket Association (SACA) has expressed its disappointment after Queensland won the right to host Cricket Australia's Cricket Centre of Excellence.

South Australia's bid, which was put together with the input and assistance from the State Government and Adelaide City Council, was short-listed to the final two, out of the eight submitted proposals.

The SACA's president, Ian McLachlan, said that the SACA was extremely disappointed after putting a great deal of time and effort into a very strong bid.

"Obviously we are disappointed, but South Australia has successfully hosted the Commonwealth Bank Cricket Academy since its inception in 1987. For that, we are immensely proud."

"We think the Academy, in Adelaide, has without a doubt been the most successful cricket training institution of its kind around the world - thanks largely to the facilities it has benefited from in South Australia."

"Many people in South Australia put enormous work into the Centre of Excellence proposal and we know our submission was solid, but Cricket Australia put all submissions through a thorough selection process."

"This remains a very exciting time for the SACA and Adelaide Oval. We now must concentrate on completing our eastern redevelopment and video replay screen in time for the Rugby World Cup, and gear up for another successful summer of cricket at Adelaide Oval."

Cricket Australia will today send a representative to explain the decision to the SACA Board, which is understood to have been a unanimous recommendation by the appraisal committee.