SUSSEX hope to stage international cricket again next season after the success of the World Cup match at Hove.

The county have already begun lobbying the ECB to host one of the ten one-day internationals to be staged when England meet West Indies and Zimbabwe in a triangular series.

General manager Dave Gilbert said: "There are going to be games not involving England and they are the ones we have to target. We could get the capacity up to 9,000 with more temporary seating and on that basis we could stage a one-day international here.

"We have shown to the ECB that we can handle a big occasion and there was enough positive dialogue with their officials on Saturday for us to feel positive, especially as we have permanent floodlights which could be the ace up our sleeve."

Saturday's match between South Africa and India passed off peacefully after Sussex mounted the biggest ever security operation for a fixture at the County Ground.

Two men were ejected for drunken behaviour including one spectator who made a beeline for Indian captain Mohammad Azharuddin after South Africa had completed a four wicket win before he was stopped by security men.

Added Gilbert: "We are all thrilled. Organising this match has taken months, but millions of people all over the world have seen the club and the ground in a terrific light."

The pitch prepared by groundsman Peter Eaton was praised by both sides after South Africa had successfully passed India's 50 overs total of 253-4 with 16 balls to spare.

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