4/1/08
Some of the biggest names in cricket will return to Scarborough Beach this weekend for the XXXX Gold Beach Cricket Tri-Nations tournament.
Australian cricket greats, including Allan Border, Dennis Lillee and Mark Waugh, will battle former foes such as England’s Graham Gooch, Adam Hollioake and Graeme Hick and New Zealand’s Martin Crowe, Chris Cairns and Sir Richard Hadlee.
Tourism Minister Sheila McHale said the two-day event on January 5 and 6 would be held at the 5,000-seat undercover amphitheatre at Scarborough Beach.
“The event is themed for television and will include a barbecue and hospitality area and general entertainment throughout the day,” Ms McHale said.
The Minister said each beach cricket match would last about one hour, with eight overs per innings. A special pitch would ensure realistic bounce, with the ocean as part of the outfield and players fitted with microphones for television.
“The State Government has invested more than $50,000 into the XXXX Gold Beach Cricket,” she said.
“The event is set to achieve significant national and international media exposure via a highlights program to be potentially broadcast into Asia, the United Kingdom, South Africa, New Zealand and across Australia.”
WA fast-bowling legend Dennis Lillee said he was looking forward to winning the title from inaugural champions England.
“The English may have taken the title last year, but we’re gunning for revenge this year,” he said.
“We have a few new players, so we’ll be a lot harder to beat.”
One of the legends who is most looking forward to coming to Perth is New Zealand’s Mark Greatbatch.
“Perth brings back some great memories for me and I’m delighted to be coming back. Let’s hope I can perform just as well on the sand,” he said.
The WA tournament is the first of four events in 2008, preceding Adelaide on January 9, Sydney on January 12-13 and the Gold Coast on January 19-20.
Minister's Office - 9213 6900
