 Test matches have been played at the SCG since 1881 |
Test cricket will remain at the Sydney Cricket Ground after an attempt by the owners of the Olympic stadium owners to wrest the hosting rights was rejected. New South Wales Cricket Association confirmed all international cricket would be played at the SCG until October 2010.
The association rejected the Olympic Stadium despite it holding more than 80,000 fans, twice as many as the SCG.
Test cricket has been played at the SCG for nearly 125 years.
Chairman of Cricket NSW Bob Horsell said: "The board of Cricket NSW is unanimous in its decision that playing international cricket at the SCG for the next five years is best for the game's future."
CNSW chief executive David Gilbert had caused concern in July by saying tenders had been sought for a long-term deal once the present contract with the SCG expired in September 2005.
Sydney Cricket Ground Trust chairman Rodney Cavalier said the decision to stay at the SCG maintained 150 years of cricket tradition at the venue.
"Cricketers young and old around Australia and throughout the world will be celebrating that Test and one-day international matches will remain at the SCG," he said.
"Every Australian cricketer aspires to play Test and one-day international matches at the SCG and now that dream will be maintained."
Former Australia captain Steve Waugh played his farewell Test against India in January there this year.
MMIX
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