EVEN cricket legend Merv Hughes couldn’t get Border residents to brave the scorching weather at a big screen showing of the first One-Day International yesterday.
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The Ultimate One Dayer Live event in Albury’s Oddies Creek Park failed to draw large crowds, with the 38 degree temperatures keeping punters away.
Cricket Albury-Wodonga chairman Michael Erdeljac said poor promotion was also to blame for the event’s low attendance.
“People in the city need to talk to locals about how to sell their events,” he said.
“Where was the TV? Where was the Facebook? Where was the Twitter?
“I didn’t see any of that.
“It’s the 21st century, not 1995.”
Mr Erdeljac said Albury Council and Cricket Australia deserved credit for their work, but they should have held the event during a shorter match.
The 200 or so cricket fans who did come along enjoyed a hit with local players in a Cricket Australia Family Zone, a beer garden, food stalls and seating in front a big screen beaming the event from 2pm.
They could also enter a bowling competition with Hughes, there to promote the event.
“Just to get the community out watching Australian cricket is a great thing,” he said.
“Three months ago it wouldn’t have been that appealing but with the success of the Australian cricket team, it’s renewed interest.”
The former Australian cricket champion, born in Euroa, moved around a lot with his teacher father growing up.
Two years were spent in Myrtleford where he attended the local high school.
He travelled around the region to play cricket and football.
“The sportsmen that come out of country zones, especially the Border, are very important for all sport,” Hughes said.
“It’s certainly strong up here.”
