Mills predicts more World XI matches

The creation of a World XI by the Federation of International Cricketers' Associations to play three matches against New Zealand as a replacement for the postponed Sri Lankan tour is a forerunner of similar selections in the future. Heath Mills, the New Zealand Cricket Players' Association executive, said FICA was looking to put sides together for charity matches when suitable occasions arose and there was the possibility for games against developing nations.

New Zealand will play three one-day matches against a FICA World XI, which will be captained by Shane Warne, at Christchurch on January 22, Wellington on January 24 and Hamilton on January 26. NZC chief executive Martin Snedden said the tour would not only provide the New Zealand cricket public with some action after the cancellation of the Sri Lankan tour, but it would also give the Black Caps some competition before the Australians arrive and act as a fundraiser.

Snedden also announced that Sri Lanka would play the two postponed Test matches in April, a first for New Zealand cricket, but the move has reflected changing weather patterns in the country. The games are being played from Monday to Friday in order to avoid conflict with the highly-popular Super 12 rugby series and start on April 4 and April 11. The postponed ODIs are expected to be played after Christmas and an announcement should be made later this week.

FICA World XIs Game 1 Shane Warne (capt), Andy Flower, Ian Harvey, Graeme Hick, Sanath Jayasuriya, Lance Klusener, Nick Knight, Muttiah Muralitharan, Jonty Rhodes, Kumar Sangakkara, Heath Streak, Chaminda Vaas.

Game 2 Shane Warne (capt), Andy Bichel, Matthew Elliott, Andy Flower, Ian Harvey, Graeme Hick, Sanath Jayasuriya, Lance Klusener, Nick Knight, Muttiah Muralitharan, Jonty Rhodes, Kumar Sangakkara, Heath Streak, Chaminda Vaas.

Game 3 Shane Warne (capt), Michael Bevan, Andy Bichel, Matthew Elliott, Andy Flower, Ian Harvey, Graeme Hick, Sanath Jayasuriya, Justin Langer, Muttiah Muralitharan, Jonty Rhodes, Kumar Sangakkara, Heath Streak, Chaminda Vaas