Top teams and innovations mark this summer's VB Series
The presence of Australia, South Africa and New Zealand, three of the four semi-finalists from the last World Cup, would normally be enough to whet most people's appetites for this summer's VB Series.
But, as if that is not enough, some exciting innovations for players and spectators alike should ensure the next month of cricket is extra-special.
For the first time in a one-day international tournament in Australia, this season's VB Series will include the chance for the teams to earn bonus points.
In order to secure a bonus point from any given match, a team has to have a net run-rate 1.25 runs higher than that of its opponent.
The system, introduced by the International Cricket Council (ICC) in September 2001, has been modelled on the one first used in Australia's Mercantile Mutual (now ING) Cup in 2000-01.
And given the impressive credentials of the three teams involved in this year's VB Series, bonus points may well be a crucial factor in deciding which teams make it through to the best-of-three VB Series finals in Melbourne and Sydney next month.
Australia is the current World Champion, claiming a spot in the final against Pakistan at Lord's in June 1999 after a never-to-be-forgotten tie in the semi-final against South Africa at Edgbaston, having narrowly defeated the Proteas in a last over thriller at Headingley only four days earlier.
New Zealand, meanwhile, lost the other World Cup semi-final to Pakistan - having beaten Australia earlier in the tournament - but it has since gone on to win the ICC Knock-out tournament in Kenya in October 2000, its first-ever success in a major one-day international competition.
Another innovation for the VB Series is the playing condition that allows bowlers to deliver one bouncer per over between the height of a batsman's shoulder and head, a move that is bound to prove a hit with players and spectators alike.
For bowlers, the move will give them an extra weapon in their armouries while batsmen who like to play the hook shot may now get the chance to prove how well they can execute it.
That, in turn, is bound to be popular with fans both at the games and watching the matches on Channel Nine's coverage at home as there are few more exciting sights in cricket than a batsman taking on a fast bowler in full-flow.
The prize fund for the tournament is just as impressive as the list of teams taking part, with more than $190,000 up for grabs.
The side that tops the ladder at the end of the 12 preliminary matches will take away $70,000 with a further $40,000 for the second-placed side and $15,000 for the team that finishes in third spot.
On top of that, the team that wins the finals series will collect a further $50,000.
The winning side will also collect the VB Series Trophy, which has been designed and produced by Flynn Silver of Kyneton, Victoria. Flynn Silver made the Australian Grand Prix Trophy, the Pura Cup and the Super Challenge 2000 Trophy.
The VB Series Trophy is gold-plated and incorporates the tri-nation concept which is depicted using three sets of stumps forming three sides, rising to support a sterling silver cricket ball.
The base of the Trophy is covered in green leather, the top of the base is engraved with the names of the three teams taking part in the 2002 VB Series and the VB Series logo is attached at the front.
The Trophy for the Player of the Series is a smaller version of the VB Series Trophy, with only one stump on each of the three sides.
Trophies have also been produced for each Player of the Match award, as well as for each member of the winning and losing teams in the VB Series finals.
This summer's VB Player of the Series will walk away with a fantastic, state-of-the-art home theatre package from LG products provided by Carlton & United Breweries (CUB).
The prize consists of a 42-inch flat, plasma screen television, a DVD player and a full home cinema speaker system incorporating all the latest technology.
The Player of the Match in a preliminary game will win $1000, with that figure rising to $1250 if he wins the award in a final.
Off the field, there is also plenty to interest the fans.
VB has been running its VB Couch promotion since mid-November with one lucky drinker in each state, as well as two friends, getting the chance to win a day on the VB Couch at a match in the VB Series.
The Couch will be present at selected VB Series matches in Melbourne (11, 13 & 29 January), Brisbane (20 January), Sydney (17 & 22 January), Adelaide (26 January) and Perth (3 February) and will be ideally situated so that winners will get a great view of the cricket – and plenty of cold CUB product on hand.
Winners of the promotion, which ran from 12 November to 31 December, will also get to carry the coin out to the toss with the two captains and receive a team tracksuit, playing shirt and hat.
Also on show on television and at the grounds throughout the VB Series will be 13 specially created VB television commercials that leverage the brand's commitment to Australia's leading summer sport.
This summer's VB Series marks the first year of a new five-year, multi-million dollar agreement between CUB and the Australian Cricket Board for sponsorship of the one-day international tournament.
The sponsorship provides CUB with naming rights to each one-day international match played in Australia during the time of the agreement, including signage at venues, as well as branding on the one-day international playing shirts and training apparel.
The naming of this year's competition as the VB Series marks the first time it has aligned its major brand with Australian cricket since CUB started its current association in 1996-97.
Commenting on the alignment, CUB Vice-President, Marketing Paul Kennedy said: "The VB Series brings together two proven Australian favourites: limited-overs cricket and the Victoria Bitter brand."
Tickets for matches in the VB Series are available from usual outlets, although the match between Australia and South Africa at The Gabba, Brisbane on Sunday 20 January has already sold out.
© 2002 Australian Cricket Board
| Teams | Australia, New Zealand, South Africa. |
| Tournaments | VB Series |
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