Security fence erected around Australia's MCG for cricket showpiece following Paris attacks

Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) authorities will erect a 1-km fence around the perimeter of the stadium ahead of the one of the biggest events on Australia's sporting calendar due to heightened security fears.

The Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC), which runs the MCG, confirmed on Thursday that ground security for cricket's Boxing Day Test, from Dec. 26, would be fortified with the addition of a 1.8-meter circular fence erected 20 to 25 meters back from the admission turnstiles.

Last month's Paris terror attacks, in which the city's Stade de France was one of the targets, prompted the MCC to take the dramatic step.

"While the advice remains that there is no localised threat to the MCG, we have taken the opportunity to add an extra layer of security and comfort for our patrons," MCC chief executive Stephen Gough said on Thursday.

In 2006, the MCC group built a similar, precautionary structure outside the MCG for the Commonwealth Games.

Ticket sales have been sluggish for Australian cricket's showpiece Test, with this summer's lackluster touring side, the West Indies, expected to only draw a paltry 50,000 to 60,000 spectators for the opening day -- the smallest crowd in 16 years.

Gough warned those entering the ground would face short delays due to the fence checkpoint, as well as other additional security measures.

"We recognize that the more stringent entry procedure will mean it takes a little longer for patrons to enter the stadium," he said.

"We ask for patience and understanding during that time, and encourage people to plan their journey to arrive earlier than normal to ensure they don't miss the first ball or a moment of the action."

Cricket Australia's head of security Sean Carroll said the extra queue time was a worthwhile sacrifice.

"The safety and security of fans, players and officials at any of our events is our number one priority," Carroll said.

"We are therefore very supportive of the MCC's proactive security arrangements this summer."

Construction of the fence has already begun outside the MCG -- Australia's largest sports facility, which can pack in more than 100,000 spectators -- nine days out from the first ball of the Second Test.

No decision has been made on whether the fence will remain outside the stadium permanently for other domestic sports competitions, such as the Australian Football League (AFL).