Malaysian tournament gets Green Light

Cricket Australia has today confirmed Australia will play against India and the West Indies in a tri-nations series this September in Malaysia, as a warm-up to the ICC Champions Trophy in India the following month.

The series, to be played between September 12-24, is designed to allow the three countries to play competitive one-day matches before the International Cricket Council (ICC) Champions Trophy (Australia’s first match is in Mumbai on October 18).

Teams will play each other twice before a final between the top-two ranked teams.

The Australian team will play at the Kinrara Oval in Malaysia. The final will be played on September 24.

CA’s CEO James Sutherland said: “This tri-nations tournament is a fantastic opportunity for Australia to play cricket against world class opposition in the run up to the ICC Champions Trophy. It is exciting to bring the game to newer cricketing frontiers and to showcase some of the best players in the world. Our colleagues in Malaysia have enthusiastically embraced the concept of this tournament.”

Delegates from CA and the Australian Cricketers Association have visited Malaysia to ensure the infrastructure, the grounds and all of the associated facilities are of a satisfactory standard for international cricket. Further visits are planned to finalise detail and to ensure player security, in line with ICC and CA expectations and with CA’s usual provisions for any overseas tour.

A similar warm-up tournament was held in August 2004 in Holland ahead of the 2004 ICC Champions Trophy in England. Australia defeated Pakistan in the final by 17 runs.

Australia last played in Malaysia during September 1998 as part of cricket’s one and only appearance at the Commonwealth Games. The Australian team, skippered by Steve Waugh, took the silver medal after South Africa defeated Australia in the final by four wickets. Ricky Ponting, Adam Gilchrist, Damien Martyn and Michael Kasprowicz all played in that tournament.

Schedule:

Tues September 12 - Australia vs West Indies
Thur September 14 - India vs West Indies
Sat September 16 - Australia vs India
Mon September 18 - Australia vs West Indies
Wed September 20 - India vs West Indies
Fri September 22 - Australia vs India
Sun September 24 - Final