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It's been a big part of New Zealand's cricketing summers but Australia's 27-year-old annual Tri-series is now officially under review. Reports out of Sydney claim the Tri-series - once known as the World Series and the direct descendant of Kerry Packer's Circus - is to be re-evaluated by Cricket Australia (CA) and could be canned after next summer.
The Herald-Sun reported that CA is poised to analyse all financial data from this season's event involving the hosts, New Zealand and England, amid suggestions that the series has passed its use-by date and is ripe for an overhaul.
New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming said yesterday that it would be a pity if the three-team competition was abandoned, given it had played such a significant role in New Zealand one-day cricket history, whether the Black Caps were involved or not.
"It's been ideal for touring sides," Fleming said of the series. "Australia's a great place to play the game. I guess it comes down to whether they want to continue with a format that includes four games not featuring Australia and the potential for their own side to miss out on the finals.
"It's a touch risky, having the possibility each year of staging seven games that don't include the hosts."
Fleming has vivid memories going back to the days of Geoff Howarth, Mark Burgess and Richard Hadlee.
"It's been so successful and it's always looked forward to in our country, whether we're in it or not.
"From that point of view it would be disappointing to lose it. Cricket in Australia is important for cricket in New Zealand, so we'll watch with interest."
Fleming also took the chance to pay tribute to England's injured batsman Kevin Pietersen, who was yesterday ruled out of the remainder of the series after a cracked rib, the result of a misjudged charging hook-shot against Glenn McGrath.
The setback has left an already deflated England side in a perilous state for Tuesday's ODI against New Zealand at Hobart.
"It's a sad way for him to go," said Fleming. "I think the majority of our team have enjoyed watching him bat on television, although I'm sure it would have been different when we were playing against him.
"It's a huge blow for the tournament and particularly for England, but we've got our hands full thinking about Australia."
