England say 'No' but still a chance of a women's tri-series

New Zealand's hope of staging a quadrangular women's series next summer appear to have been stymied by England's declining of an invitation to come over from Australia at the end of their Ashes series.

New Zealand has had a favourable response from the Women Cricket Association of India for a five-match One-Day International tour.

And discussion is continuing with Australia over their participation in what would now be a tri-series, probably based at the High Performance Centre at Lincoln University.

Australia are due to host New Zealand for the annual Rosebowl tournament, but if they were interested in the tri-series, the Rosebowl may be incorporated in that, New Zealand Cricket's assistant-manager of cricket operations Catherine Campbell said today.

It was intended that a tri-series be completed before February 8 which is when students start returning to Lincoln University, but would also be a chance to give the tournament a profile before the start of the men's World Cup in South Africa.

It is also likely that some rounds of the State League will be played before Christmas next summer.

This hadn't been possible for the last two years because of the CricInfo Women's World Cup in 2000 and last year when the New Zealand women's team had intended to be in India, although that tour was cancelled as a result of instability and the lack of reliable security coverage for the women's team in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks on the United States.

Campbell said until a definite response was received from Australia, the thinking was still up in the air, but she is hopeful the matter can be resolved soon.