United States to tour England, South Africa

The United States national team is likely to tour South Africa in February or March next year, senior United States Cricket Associaiton official, Mr. Kamran Khan, revealed at the weekend.

The yet-to-be-confirmed trip will supplement this July's eight match tour of England and Wales, which will see the US pitted mainly against County Second XIs.

The 12-day itinerary also includes matches against the MCC and an England Minor Counties XI.

The selection of the team will provide the first major test for the new United States Cricket Association administration, which is keen to demonstrate it is truly representative of cricket in all of the US.

Mr. Khan said the USACA was determined to correct the selection process by getting the basics right.

"At the selection trial for Malaysia (the 1997 ICC Trophy) the previous administration got a couple of West Indian Test players in to help pick the team.

"It was chosen by people who didn't know the players and American cricket.

"We have a trenemdous amount of talent to choose from and I would be willing to bet that if the best team is chosen we will go very, very close to qualifying for the World Cup."

The US team for the United Kingdom will be selected following three days of trials to be held at Haverford College on May 27th, 28th and 29th.

The Chairman of the Council of the League Presidents, in cooperation with Regional Directors, will be responsible for securing the recommended list of players from all the regions.

They in turn will work with league presidents to assemble the list. This list then will be narrowed down to 35 players by the Selection Committee to attend trials at Haverford.

The Schedule for the tour of England and Wales is:
July 6th - Team assembles;
July 7th - Departure for London;
July 8th - Arrival in London. Tour of Lord's cricket grounds. Nets.
July 9th - Match vs. Royal Household XI at Windsor Castle cricket ground.
July 10th - American Ambassador's Reception
July 11th - Match vs. Durham 2nd XI.
July 12th - Match vs. Yorkshire 2nd XI.
July 13th - Match vs. M.C.C. at Castleford.
July 14th - Match vs. Leicestershire 2nd XI.
July 15th - Rest day.
July 16th - Match vs. Devon.
July 17th - Rest day.
July 18th - Match vs. Wales Minor Counties XI.
July 19th - Travel.
July 20th - Match vs. England Minor Counties XI.
July 22nd - Return.