Cricket: NZ lining up as Windies replacement

New Zealand might replace the West Indies as the Australian cricket team's early-season opponents next summer.

Cricket Australia is expected to announce next week that the Black Caps will tour from mid-November, playing two tests, before possibly returning for the VB one-day series with Australia and Pakistan.

The West Indies were due to play at least three tests but have pulled out because of scheduling constraints.

New Zealand last toured Australia in 2001, drawing the three-test series 0-0 before featuring in the one-day series finals against South Africa after beating Australia in three out of four games.

"There's been talk of rearranging the International Cricket Council's programme but nothing has been confirmed," said New Zealand Cricket operations officer John Reid.

A Cricket Australia spokesman said a decision would be made soon.

- NZPA