World Cup tickets were available to buy online for the first time on Monday ? prompting a flurry of activity on the tournament?s website.

Up until now, it has only been possible to purchase tickets through the official travel agents appointed by World Cup organisers ? in Bermuda?s case C-Travel and Meyer Travel in association with Global Travel.

But World Cup chief Chris Dehring yesterday confirmed that people from 53 countries ? including Uzbekistan and Botswana ? had so far logged on to buy the highly-coveted tickets, with Internet traffic set to increase yet further in the coming days.

?We are extremely pleased by the enthusiasm and obvious interest being shown in this event,? he said.

?It?s incredible to see the numbers of people, from what we might consider the most unlikely of places, who are eager to secure tickets,? he said.

To buy tickets, go to www.cricketworldcup.com.