New Zealand A to play in Buchi Babu

New Zealand A will participate in the Buchi Babu All-India invitation tournament to be held in Chennai from August 16 to 29. The tournament, Tamil Nadu Cricket Association's curtain-raiser to 2009-10, will enter its 100th year this season.

The Buchi Babu tournament, which consists of three-day games, includes 15 other teams from across India.

New Zealand A previously competed in the tournament in 2001, reaching the final against a Bengal XI, where the result was a draw. Shane Bond, marking a comeback to international cricket as part of the A team, featured in that edition as well.

Visiting New Zealand players will also be allowed to make use of the facilities at the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore.