Pura Cup schedule could make for more international representation

The Australian Cricket Board (ACB) announced today a date change to the Pura Cup schedule for season 2002-03.

The four-day first-class matches originally scheduled to begin on Friday 15 November have been brought forward one day and will now start on Thursday 14 November.

The games beginning next Thursday 14 November are:

ACB Chief Executive Officer James Sutherland said the change could make more international players available for selection for the next round of Pura Cup matches.

"Bringing the Pura Cup fixtures forward one day generates more space in the program and provides more opportunity for Australian Test players to play in the domestic first-class competition," Mr Sutherland said.

"The National Selection Panel has encouraged the Test cricketers to play, unless they are deemed unfit or at risk of injury, as is the normal procedure in these circumstances.

"The fixture change could help bolster the stocks of state teams, which may be slightly depleted due to the selection of the Australia A team to play England in Hobart from 15 November."

The change brings the Pura Cup matches' scheduled finish date to Sunday 17 November, four days before the start of the second Orange Test match against England in Adelaide (Thursday 21 November).

The Australia A team to play England in Hobart next Friday is expected to be announced on Monday 11 November.