SL/ZIM: Zimbabwe Will Play Two Tests In Sri Lanka (20 Jun 1996)

20 June 1996

Zimbabwe will play two tests in Sri Lanka

By Sa`adi Thawfeeq

The Zimbabwe Cricket Union (ZCU) has confirmed playing two Test matches against Sri Lanka when they arrive for the four-nation Singer World Series in August.

Sri Lanka Cricket Board secretary Tryphone Mirando said that Zimbabwe would play the two Tests immediately after the Singer World Series which ends on September 9.

There will be no side games involved and Zimbabwe who will go straight into the short Test series with Sri Lanka following the Singer World Series which features fifty-over games involving host Sri Lanka, Australia and India.

The Singer World Series will take place from August 24 to September 9 and the two Tests between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe will be played without a rest day from September 11-15 and September 18- 22. The venues are yet to be confirmed.

The Zimbabwe Tests will mark the first-ever played between the two countries on Sri Lankan soil. The only previous instance they met was in Zimbabwe in October 1994 when all three Tests ended in draws.

Zimbabwe have visited Sri Lanka twice previously but not for Tests. In 1983 they came here before achieving Test status on a short tour and played an unofficial Test and, in March this year to play in the Wills World Cup match at the SSC.

Sri Lanka were in danger of not playing a single Test this year when Australia turned down their request for two Tests during the Singer World Series. However, Zimbabwe have saved the Sri Lanka Cricket Board from an unproductive period by obliging to replace the Aussies.

Sri Lanka are also due to host Zimbabwe for a three-Test series in 1998.

Sri Lanka will press for equality in Test matches and call for the formation of a special international panel to review `chucking` and ball tampering at next month`s International Cricket Council (ICC) meeting at Lord`s.

Sri Lanka will be represented at the annual meeting scheduled from July 5 - 9, by Cricket Board president Upali Dharmadasa and secretary Tryphone Mirando.

Executive secretary Dhammika Ranatunga will go as an observer and attend the chief executives meeting.

The Cricket Board`s vice-president Thilanga Sumathipala will also be present in London at the time.

Source :: Daily News (http.//www.lanka.net)