If its what the fans think that matters then the first ever Power Cricket games played at the Millennium Stadium last weekend were a roaring success.

The weekend's two matches saw New Zealand skipper Stephen Fleming's world side pick up two winners' cheques worth £50,000 after defeating Nasser Hussain's Brits on Friday and Saturday evening under lights, and under the roof, at the Cardiff stadium.

A cricket lover for years, Mr Parry-Jones from Surrey said "This has to be the best cricket match I've ever seen" after watching Saturday's nail biting finish. Dave from Cardiff, who'd never been to a cricket match before, added "That was superb, what an atmosphere. I'll be here next time, no queston."

The players too were united in their support for this innovative version of indoor cricket.

Surrey's Adam Hollioake said: "We have enjoyed two brilliant matches. The conditions, the artificial track, the fans, were all just great. It's something we can all learn to adjust to and get better at."

Former England Test star Robin Smith said: "It was the best cricket event I have ever been involved in."

Around 15,000 fans paid to watch the matches ­ safe in the knowledge that rain could not stop play.

Sarah Dunster, of promoters DP Cricket, said: "It was all about putting on an event that would attract a new following for cricket. And 15,000 paying customers said we were on the right track. It was never a case of filling the Millennium Stadium."

A spokesman for sponsors Pertemps said: "We have watched some fantastic cricket involving the world¹s greatest players. The venue is unique. The Sky and Taj TV coverage delivered a huge audience. We're very happy with the Power Cricket concept."

PLAY IT AGAIN UNDER THE ROOF POWER Cricket bosses are in talks already to stage another series of international matches at the Millennium Stadium.

They are looking at the next series of Power Cricket contests with the world's top players on show early in the new year.

© DP Cricket