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Cairns and Darwin set for Test status
Wisden CricInfo staff - April 29, 2002

The tropical cities of Cairns and Darwin are set to become Australia's newest Test cricket venues, as early as next year. According to reports in the Australian Associated Press, The Australian Cricket Board (ACB) is expected to announce winter Test matches for both cities, the first being against Bangladesh in July next year.

The ACB has been trying to find new venues for Test matches against lower-ranked nations such as Bangladesh and Zimbabwe.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) requires all Test nations to play each other home and away every five years, but the crowded international schedule means winter Test matches are the only realistic option.

That has led to the push to play in the warmer winter climes of northern Australia, to allow proper wicket preparation and conducive weather.

While refusing to confirm Cairns and Darwin as certain Test venues, ACB spokesman Brendan McClements admitted it was an option that had been looked at for some time.

"We flagged some time ago venues in northern Australia as potential international cricket venues," he said.

"The season is getting more and more congested with more and more teams to play and especially with the majority of countries in the same hemisphere. We've looked and continue to look at them."

Bangladesh's visit to Cairns and Darwin are expected to be followed by Tests and one-day internationals against Zimbabwe in 2004, a World A team in 2005, Sri Lanka in 2006 and Zimbabwe again in 2007.

Each tour will be a minimum of two Tests - one each in Cairns and Darwin - and three one-day matches.

The grounds in Darwin and Cairns would have to be upgraded to meet stringent ICC specifications for Test matches, the ACB said.

© Wisden CricInfo Ltd