Rose Bowl earmarked for 2003 NatWest Series match

Hampshire Cricket chairman Rod Bransgrove has intimated to a packed members forum at the Rose Bowl on Sunday morning that Hampshire's new home has been earmarked to stage a one-day international as early as next season.

It had been thought previously that the Rose Bowl may be offered an international in 2004, but with an extended limited-overs programme scheduled for next season, Hampshire have been pencilled in for a game on July 10, 2003.

Although it was still to be confirmed and dependant on both an ICC inspection and approval from the South African Cricket Board on their tour of England itinerary, their match with Zimbabwe in the NatWest Series could be held on the south coast.

Chairman Bransgrove said that nothing was certain but he was hopeful. "You cannot count on anything but if we get the necessary ICC approval, it would be wonderful news for Hampshire Cricket.

"This would be thoroughly deserving of the efforts that Team Hampshire have put in.

"I would be absolutely delighted, because the ground was designed and developed with international cricket in mind and things have accelerated so quickly.

"At the early part of last season, there was little chance of us staging an international at the Rose Bowl for a few years to come. But this shows how far we have come in a short space of time.

"England Cricket needs to spread the Internationals to new areas and Durham staged the recent England v India match very well.

"That showed what new venues, like the Riverside and us at the Rose Bowl, has to offer."