Cricket: Warne set to lead World side

Shane Warne and Sanath Jayasuriya are set to share the captaincy of the World Invitation XI to play New Zealand this month.

An announcement confirming the three-match one-day series - expected yesterday - was deferred until today, apparently to allow time for organisers to finalise their commercial arrangements.

But Warne was yesterday tipped by an Australian newspaper to be named captain of the Invitation side, and the Herald understands that Jayasuriya will take over the reins when the Australian spinner returns home after the second match.

An administrative triumph for both New Zealand Cricket and the world players' association (FICA), the three-match series was organised at short notice after the abandonment of the Sri Lankan tour, and is thought to be scheduled for January 22, 24 and 26 at Christchurch, Wellington and Hamilton.

The success came on the same day that NZC chief executive Martin Snedden confirmed that Sri Lanka had been invited to return to New Zealand in April to play the two postponed test matches, raising hopes of a more substantial home international programme than initially feared.

The theory is that the two tests, initially scheduled for dedicated cricket grounds at the Basin Reserve in Wellington and Hamilton's Westpac Park, could still be played in April without any fears of a Super 12 clash, or concerns that the weather could be any worse than it was last month.

If the invitation is accepted, NZC will be able to meet a large proportion of its television rights' commitments, as well as provide the New Zealand cricketing public with the bonus of three matches against the World Invitation XI.

The World Invitation XI, confirmed after Cricket Australia rescheduled its domestic competition to allow time for eight of its players to participate, will boast a stream of well-known names from across the Tasman, Sri Lanka, South Africa, England and Zimbabwe, and can be expected to provide a serious work-out for any New Zealand side selected.

The potted story of the squad is that it will not only feature the world's two most successful (and controversial?) bowlers in Warne and Muttiah Muralitharan, but also Andy Flower and Heath Streak, two of the Zimbabwe rebels who went into self-imposed exile last April after accusing their board of racism.

The dispute erupted after captain Streak, who is white, complained to the union that young inexperienced black players were being preferred by the selectors regardless of the merit of their older white colleagues.

His demotion from the captaincy led to a strike by 14 white professionals (including Flower), who in turn were fired.

The selection of Graeme Hick might also raise some eyebrows, not least because he is now 38 years old but also because he last played a one-dayer for England in 2001.

However, the former Northern Districts' right-hander was back to his best last year for Worcestershire, scoring 1589 first-class runs for the season, including an unbeaten 204 against the touring Black Caps.

New Zealand fans will also have vivid memories of Lance Klusener, unwanted at the moment by the South African selectors, but one of the most destructive batsmen in the one-day game, and a more than useful seamer in Kiwi conditions.

The teams

Probable squads (for first two games): Shane Warne (captain), Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka), Andy Flower (Zimbabwe), Matthew Elliot (Australia), Graeme Hick (England), Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka), Ian Harvey (Australia), Lance Klusener (South Africa), Heath Streak, Chaminda Vaas, Muttiah Muralitharan, Jonty Rhodes (player/coach).

Probable squad (for third game): Sanath Jayasuriya (captain), Justin Langer (Australia), Greg Blewett (Australia), Andy Flower (Zimbabwe), Graeme Hick (England), Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka), Michael Bevan (Australia), Ian Harvey (Australia), Andy Bichel (Australia), Chaminda Vaas (Sri Lanka), Heath Streak (Zimbabwe), Nathan Bracken (Australia), Muttiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka).