Cricket: Australians come to aid of party

Hopes of an 11th-hour series between New Zealand and a World XI took another step forward yesterday after Cricket Australia threw its support behind the initiative.

On a day in which the Herald understands that Australians Shane Warne, Justin Langer, Michael Bevan, Greg Blewett and Nathan Bracken confirmed their interest in the three-match proposal, attention has now swung to the stance of their respective state administrations.

The World XI concept is the brainchild of the New Zealand Cricket Players' Association and New Zealand Cricket, who are desperate to arrange a substitute series later this month after the cancellation of the Sri Lankan tour.

India have already declined an invitation to fill in for the Sri Lankans, effectively making the World XI proposal the last option for the New Zealand holiday period.

Players' association spokesman Heath Mills said yesterday that he had been encouraged by the positive and widespread response to the plan, but was still mindful that the Australian state bosses would have the final say over their players.

Mills, who spent most of yesterday working on details such as the World XI uniforms, said he was sure the series would be confirmed today if it was up to the players.

"We've had an extremely encouraging response from around the world," he said.

"In fact, we've had unanimous support from every player and player association approached."

Apart from the Australian players in the frame, Mills said his organisation had received support from the Sri Lankan Cricket Players' Association, who had indicated that two or three of their members were prepared to return to New Zealand.

He declined to reveal whether star Sri Lankan spin-bowler Muttiah Muralitharan was in the mix, but said there was also hope of attracting players from South Africa and England.

The World XI idea has the backing of the International Cricket Council and the players' worldwide union, the Federation of International Cricketers' Association.
But while Cricket Australia has lent its support, a busy late January, where the six states have Pura Cup matches beginning on the 27th before a flurry of ING Cup games early next month, may make it difficult for NZC to get a favourable response.

Federation chief executive Tim May said yesterday that the organising process was a "reasonable way"' down the track, and he was hopeful that Australian cricket would help out an ailing neighbour.

"It may just happen to us one day and we would like our friends around the cricket world to help us," May said.

"Nobody says they aren't interested. Everybody is keen to help."