POLICE are preparing for their biggest crowd control test yet at Durham's Riverside cricket ground in Chester-le-Street.

A sell-out crowd of 16,000 - a record for the ground - will attend tomorrow's England v Australia day-night international in the NatWest Series, the most high-profile match played so far at the ten-year-old Riverside ground.

Durham cricketer Paul Collingwood yesterday got into form for the contest, hitting the second fastest century by an England batsman during the day-night international against Bangladesh at Trent Bridge, Nottingham, while Australia have so far struggled during their tour.

The one-day fixture does not get under way until 2.30pm, and could finish anytime up to 10pm under floodlights.

A team of 50 police, special constables and community support officers will be on duty, assisting the 180 stewards employed by Durham County Cricket Club.

The officers will be there to control traffic, to deter thieves and ensure safety.

They have warned that anyone invading the field, including streakers, will face prosecution and ticket-holders are reminded they will not be allowed to take alcohol into the ground, although there will be a number of bars beneath the stands.

People arriving by car are advised to follow the signs, with motorists heading from the A1(M) asked to use the inside lane on the A167 prior to turning into Ropery Lane towards the ground. All other traffic should use the outside lane.

Spaces will be available for about 3,000 vehicles in car parks near the ground and parking restrictions will be enforced in nearby streets.

Chief Inspector John Bell, of Durham Police, said: "England versus Australia will be a terrific occasion in front of Durham's biggest-ever sporting crowd."

Tomorrow's one-day encounter comes only weeks after Durham successfully hosted the second npower Test match between England and Bangladesh.