Cricket: World 11 series in NZ, Sri Lanka tests confirmed

UPDATE - New Zealand will host a three-match one-day series against a World 11 on January 22, 24 and 26, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) announced today.

NZC chief executive Martin Snedden also confirmed the remainder of New Zealand's summer schedule, with Sri Lanka to play their two postponed tests against the Black Caps in April.

The one-day series, requested by NZC after Sri Lanka returned home early from their tour last month because of the tsunami that struck South Asia, will pit New Zealand against a team comprising players mostly from Australia and Sri Lanka.

The matches have been arranged in conjunction with the Federation of International Cricketers' Associations so the combined team will be known as the FICA World 11.

The matches in Christchurch, Wellington and Hamilton will raise money for emergency relief in the countries affected by the tsunami and will also provide international cricket for the New Zealand team and public in the lead-up to next month's home series against Australia.

The World 11 will be captained by Australian spin bowler Shane Warne. He will play each game but the lineup for each of the three games will alter slightly depending on the availability of players.

Sri Lankan spinbowler Muttiah Muralitharan would play in all three matches, providing the prospect of test cricket's two greatest wicket-takers (Warne and Muralitharan) bowling in tandem.

Other notable inclusions are Heath Streak, one of Zimbabwe's best players, who went into self-imposed exile last year after accusing the national board of racism and lefthanded wicketkeeper-batsman Andy Flower.

Retired South African Jonty Rhodes will be the team's player/coach.

"It will be exciting to see these two rival bowlers working in tandem in what should be closely fought matches," Snedden said.

Snedden hoped NZC would break even financially from the series or run at a "manageable loss".

"It will be expensive to hold but the benefits for the home cricket season and the Black Caps, as well as those who benefit from our fundraising activities, will make the series more than worthwhile," he said.

Snedden said fundraising initiatives surrounding the tour would be announced later this week. Funds raised would be distributed to Sri Lanka Cricket's "Cricket-Aid" programme and to World Vision.

"Given the devastating effect of the tsunami on Sri Lanka and Asia, as well as the inclusion of Sri Lankans in the FICA 11, it is appropriate that NZC further supports international efforts by cricketing countries to help raise funds for tsunami victims," he said.

He was thankful to the New Zealand Cricket Players Association, FICA, the International Cricket Council and overseas cricket boards for their work in making the series possible.

Cricket Australia had rescheduled one round of their domestic competition to free up players for the world team.

Meanwhile, Snedden said he was pleased the Sri Lankan Cricket Board had agreed the Sri Lankan team would return to play the two cancelled test matches in April, unusually late in the New Zealand season.

"The climatic conditions in early April are normally similar to those in March and we are confident that test cricket can be played at this time of year," he said.

The two tests originally scheduled for this month would have been played in Hamilton and Wellington but Snedden could not yet confirm the venues for the tests on April 4-8 and April 11-15.

There was the potential to clash with Super 12 rugby fixtures.

A decision would be made within the next two weeks, he said.

Snedden said NZC was working closely with the Sri Lankan Cricket Board to reschedule the four unplayed one-day international matches and hoped a four-match series could be arranged over the Christmas/New Year period later this year.

New Zealand v World 11 one-day international schedule:

Jan 22: Jade Stadium, Christchurch

Jan 24: Westpac Stadium, Wellington (d/n)

Jan 26: Westpac Park, Hamilton (d/n)

Sri Lankan tour schedule in New Zealand:

March 28-30: First class warm-up match (venue TBA)

April 4-8: First test (venue TBA)

April 11-15: Second test (venue TBA)

World 11 squads:

Game one: Shane Warne (Australia, captain), Andy Flower (Zimbabwe), Ian Harvey (Australia), Graeme Hick (England), Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka), Lance Klusener (South Africa), Nick Knight (England), Muttiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka), Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka), Heath Streak (Zimbabwe), Chaminda Vaas (Sri Lanka), Jonty Rhodes (South Africa, player/coach)

Game two: Shane Warne (Australia, captain), Andy Bichel (Australia), Matthew Elliott (Australia), Andy Flower (Australia), Ian Harvey (Australia), Graeme Hick (England), Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka), Lance Klusener (South Africa), Nick Knight (England), Muttiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka), Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka), Heath Streak (Zimbabwe), Chaminda Vaas (Sri Lanka), Jonty Rhodes (South Africa, player/coach)

Game three: Shane Warne (Australia, captain), Michael Bevan (Australia), Andy Bichel (Australia), Matthew Elliott (Australia), Andy Flower (Australia), Ian Harvey (Australia), Graeme Hick (England), Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka), Justin Langer (Australia), Muttiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka), Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka), Heath Streak (Zimbabwe), Chaminda Vaas (Sri Lanka), Jonty Rhodes (South Africa, player/coach)

- NZPA