Cricket: Indian test venue up in air

Confusion reigns over where New Zealand will play one of their three tests on the tour of India later this year.

The first and third tests are scheduled to be played in Ahmedabad and Nagpur.

However, when the itinerary was released it had the second test listed for Kanpur.

However Kanpur officials said they were unable to host it due to stadium lease problems.

The Bengal Cricket Association was then asked to step in and put the game on at the giant Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

But they have counted themselves out to host the test from November 12, due to a rush getting the stadium ready for the World Cup, in February-March.

"Renovation work would have to be stopped for some time if the [Board of Control for Cricket in India's] proposal was accepted," Bengal association stadium chairman Chitrak Mitra said.

"This is impossible as the stadium has to be ready for hosting World Cup matches."

Kolkata is the venue for four games during the World Cup, the first on February 27.

Eden Gardens last hosted a test in February, when India beat South Africa.

New Zealand are due to play three tests and five ODIs on their tour.

The first test starts on November 4.

New Zealand's women will play fierce rivals Australia in a curtain-raiser to a men's T20 international against Pakistan on December 28.

That follows the doubleheader at Wellington involving the four New Zealand and Australian teams last season.

The game at Hamilton's Seddon Park, is one of five T20 internationals against Australia for the women's Rose Bowl, with the second in Nelson and three at Invercargill.

The teams also meet in three ODIs to be played at Bert Sutcliffe Oval in Lincoln, outside Christchurch from February 24-28.