Australian team to play in America

The Australian Cricket Board (ACB) today announced that an official Australian team would play in America for the first time since 1990, only the second time an official team has visited the country.

ACB Chief Executive, Malcolm Speed, said that the Australia A team will travel to the USA to take part in the America Challenge tournament playing in a five game, one-day series against India A from September 15 - 21, 1999.

"The chance to play in America against high quality opposition in this series is an exciting one.

"It is consistent with our strategy of providing our leading players with valuable international experience and also gives the United States of America Cricket Association the opportunity to showcase the game in America," said Mr Speed.

The first Australian team to visit America was an unofficial side organised by Arthur Mailey in 1932 that included Don Bradman who combined the tour with his honeymoon.

In 1990, following the late withdrawal of India, the first official visit by an Australian team to America took place. Led by David Boon, the team played two games against Pakistan for one win.

The schedule for the Australia A visit is:

• Wednesday 15 September v India
• Thursday, 16 September v India
• Friday, 17 September Rest Day
• Saturday, 18 September v India
• Sunday, 19 September v India
• Monday, 20 September Rest Day
• Tuesday, 21 September v India

All games will be played at Woodley Park, Los Angeles, California.

The team to contest the tournament will be announced today, Wednesday, 1 September.