Australian capital to host maiden ODI

Cricket Australia and the Australian Capital Territory government announced Friday that the men`s cricket team will play its first ever one-day international match in 2013.

Canberra : Cricket Australia (CA) and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) government announced Friday that the men`s cricket team will play its first ever one-day international match here in 2013.

CA chief executive officer, James Sutherland, welcomed the support of the ACT Government in securing the match to be played at Manuka Oval as part of the 2012-13 Commonwealth Bank One-Day International Series. "This is an historic moment for cricket in nation`s capital and a great way to help celebrate the Centenary of Canberra," Sutherland said in a statement released by CA. "Canberra continues to play an important role in Australian cricket producing some of our best national players and hosting the annual Prime Minister`s XI match," he added. Sutherland said ACT Government`s commitment to upgrade the Manuka Oval will not only help to position it to host future international and domestic cricket matches, including matches in the 2015 Cricket World Cup, but will also help promote the game of cricket in Canberra and surrounding areas. "I congratulate the ACT Government for their enthusiasm and support of this match. The government has been a strong advocate for cricket in the ACT and helping to bring the Australian cricket team to Canberra." Sutherland said. IANS