Black Caps playing for digital trophy

COLOMBO - The end-of-series trophy is no longer just an inanimate object gathering dust in a cricket boardroom's cabinet.

The innovative silverware on offer in the Tri-Series between Sri Lanka, India and New Zealand also features a permanent highlights reel for the victor.

The teams will compete for the world's first digital trophy in the four-match competition - tournament sponsors Hewlett Packard's Compaq Cup has broken new ground by incorporating an LCD screen into the 4.8kg award.

Match-winning moments for the triumphant squad, key statistics, photographs and fan messages will be uploaded once the winner has been determined so the holder will be able to revisit memories of their success.

Fans can log on to www.compaqcup.com and leave messages of support for their favourite players and team; the top 10 entries decided by the television commentary team will also be uploaded.

The tournament starts today when Sri Lanka play New Zealand (9pm NZT). New Zealand and India clash on Friday before Sri Lanka host their neighbours 24 hours later.

The top two teams contest Monday's final before all three head to South Africa for the Champions Trophy, which starts on September 22.

- NZPA