Published: Jun 04, 2015, 02:55 PM (IST)
Edited: Jun 04, 2015, 04:58 PM (IST)
Owing the paucity of one-day internationals (ODIs)between New Zealand and Australia under the Chappell-Hadlee trophy, and considering the buzz generated by the success of the World Cup, New Zealand Cricket is preparing to cancel a Test to fit an ODI in February, during Australia’s tour to the country. If the plan goes ahead, as NZC chief executive David White’s inclination suggests it will, New Zealand will have to contend with yet another two-Test series, sacrificed for a three-match ODI series. READ: New Zealand media showers praise on cricket team post 199-run win vs England in 2nd Test at Headingley
“It’s an interesting debate. We want three-match test series where possible and there’s been a lot of valid discussion about that over the last week [after the drawn two-test series in England],” White told stuff.co.nz. “But on the back of the success of Cricket World Cup, and bearing in mind we would have played three test matches in Australia [in November], it would be very appealing to have three Chappell-Hadlee ODIs in New Zealand.”
White indicated the enthusiasm for this is shared by Cricket Australia, and stuff.co.nz reports the changed schedule is already ‘pencilled’ in.
Since 2010 there have only been two ODIs contested for the trophy, both during World Cups. James Sutherland, White’s counterpart from Cricket Australia, had spoken of an interest for the scheduling of more ODIs between the two countries, on the eve of the last Chappell-Hadlee game, held in Auckland in February. The hosts had won that thrilling game by one wicket. READ: Mike Hesson delighted with New Zealand’s aggressive approach against England
“We are due to play Test cricket against each other next summer and we are examining the schedule to see what options we have for playing each other in one-day internationals on a more regular basis in the future,” he had been quoted as saying by various media outlets.
Sutherland is also excited about the prospect of hosting the first day-night Test. Australia and New Zealand are scheduled to play the match in November at the Adelaide Oval, but recalcitrance by New Zealand’s players about the concept made this doubtful. More than 3/4ths of a number of players had voted against the idea in a survey, due to concerns over the visibility of the pink ball.
But White suggested otherwise. “We’ve made it very clear that we’re not prepared to go ahead unless the players support the concept. I’ve had some really good discussions with the players over the last week and the concept is definitely not dead. It’s fair to say it is advantageous for NZC to have a close working relationship with Australia. They’re one of the top teams in the world and it would be great for us if we could play them more.”
The two countries are to tour each other in the four month-period of their upcoming summer season, beginning with New Zealand’s visit to Australia.
