The banking group NatWest has clinched a new three-year deal to sponsor England's home one-day matches until 2005.

This year's edition of the tri-nations tournament culminated in one of the most remarkable finals in one-day history as India beat England at Lord's on Saturday.

In addition to the NatWest Series there will be a new, three-match one-day international tournament known as the NatWest Challenge.

The Challenge will involve either a third visiting nation or one of the participants of the NatWest Series.

In 2003 the two touring nations will be South Africa and Zimbabwe, with Pakistan taking part in the Challenge.

Tim Lamb, chief executive of the England and Wales Cricket Board, said: "NatWest's long-standing support of English and Welsh cricket has been invaluable to the game.

"This new addition will enable England to play a guaranteed nine days of competitive one-day international cricket each summer."