New Zealand Cricket has announced the confirmed itinerary for the BLACKCAPS’ tour to Sri Lanka in August-September.
The side will play two Tests and two Twenty20 Internationals against Sri Lanka, and a four-match One Day International tri-series with Sri Lanka and India.
An additional 50-over match may also be added at the end of the tour, prior to the BLACKCAPS departure for the Champions Trophy tournament.
The schedule is:
August
Fri 7–Sun 9 v Sri Lanka XI (warm-up) Colombo (Colts)
Wed 12–Fri 14 v Sri Lanka XI (warm-up) Colombo (NCC)
Tue 18–Sat 22 1st Test v Sri Lanka Galle Stadium
Wed 26–Sun 30 2nd Test v Sri Lanka Colombo (SSC)
September
Wed 02 1st Twenty20 v Sri Lanka Colombo (Khettarama)
Fri 04 2nd Twenty20 v Sri Lanka Colombo (Khettarama)
Sun 06 v Sri Lanka ‘A’ (50-over match) Colombo (SSC)
One Day International Tri-Series
Tue 08 Sri Lanka v New Zealand Colombo (Khettarama)
Thu 10 Sri Lanka v India Colombo (Khettarama)
Sat 12 India v New Zealand Colombo (Khettarama)
Mon 14 FINAL Colombo (Khettarama)
Wed 16 (tbc) v Sri Lanka XI (50-over match) Colombo
NZC General Manager Cricket, Geoff Allott, said the tour itinerary would be a challenging one for the BLACKCAPS.
“This will be a tough series both in terms of the strength of the opposition and the playing conditions,” said Allott. “With high humidity, and temperatures expected to reach 35, our players will be well tested.
“The two warm-up games are important in ensuring our players can acclimatise and get a good build up to the first Test.”
The confirmation of Galle as the venue for the first Test is expected to provide the BLACKCAPS with some reprieve from the heat – and despite the wicket favouring the pace bowlers in the recent Test between Sri Lanka and Pakistan, a drier track is expected for the opening Test.
“Galle had experienced four days of solid rain prior to the Pakistan Test, so we are not expecting it to be quite so seamer-friendly” said Allott
The Twenty20 and One-Day International games will be a stern assignment for the BLACKCAPS who will face Sri Lanka – finalists in the recent World Twenty20 competition – as well as an Indian team determined to satisfy their demanding fans.
“The tri-series with Sri Lanka and India will be an exciting contest – and an ideal lead into the Champions Trophy which follows immediately after this tour.”
Allott said the itinerary allowed the option of one or more additional 50-over games against a Sri Lanka Invitation XI, depending on the outcome of the tri-series.
Confirmation of the schedule comes after Allott and New Zealand Cricket Players Association Executive Manager, Heath Mills, visited Sri Lanka recently, along with an independent security firm.
“The safety of our players and management is paramount, and this is reflected in NZC’s commitment to security and operational inspections,” said Allott.
“Our initial impression is that both Sri Lanka Cricket and the government are making a significant effort to ensure player safety.”
“After talking with local authorities, the British and Australian High Commissions, and our security advisers, we believe that both Colombo and Galle are considered relatively safe locations at present. However it is still vital that our security plans are of the highest standards and every effort is made to ensure the safety of the team at all times.”
NZCPA Executive Manager Heath Mills said the pre-tour check of Sri Lanka was a valuable initiative. “It has helped us build stronger relationships with those on the ground in Sri Lanka responsible for various aspects of the tour.
“As a result, match preparation for the team will be enhanced and we have a very good understanding of security management plans and arrangements.”
