Test, Twenty20 game added to India's NZ tour

CRICKET: WELLINGTON, Jan 17, 2009 - New Zealand has agreed to add a third Test and an extra Twenty/20 match to India's tour starting next month. India asked earlier this month to play an extra Test during the tour to help offset losses after the cancellation of matches against England and Pakistan.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and New Zealand Cricket announced the extended schedule Thursday after the host country had worked to reschedule other matches.

India will arrive in New Zealand on February 20, eight days earlier than originally scheduled, with the first tour match being an additional Twenty20 match in Christchurch on February 25. An extra Test will be played in Napier on top of the originally scheduled two Tests in Hamilton and Wellington.

"India is probably the most exciting side in the world at present, packed full of superstar players, and the chance to see six more days of high quality international competition will be welcomed by all New Zealand cricket fans," New Zealand Cricket chief executive Justin Vaughan said. BCCI secretary N. Srinivasan said he was grateful the two cricket authorities had been able to work together to extend the tour.

After the Twenty/20 matches on February 25 and 27, the two teams will play five one-day internationals starting from March 3. The first Test in Hamilton will start on March 18, followed by the Napier Test from March 26 and the final match will start on April 3 in Wellington.

AFP