Melbourne, Jan. 16 : Many think one-day internationals of 50-overs a side duration is on its way out, and will be replaced by the Twenty20 format.

This view is gaining ground in the wake of the Melbourne Cricket Club confirming Thursday that it is expecting 45,000 people to attend today's day and night ODI between Australia and South Africa, and about two-thirds of the 63,000 at Sunday''s Twenty20 game.

Last year, only 49,362 watched Australia play India, and two matches against Sri Lanka drew in the mid-20,000s.

The year before England pulled 78,625 in early January but only 38,858 for a final in February.

According to Fox Sports, this is a sign that one-dayers have been on the decline in the sports entertainment market in Melbourne and elsewhere for some years.

Cosmetic changes have been made to the one-dayers in a bid to jazz up the format, but this has had no real effect in terms of attracting spectators. (ANI)