India's preparations for the World Cup will culminate in a two-Test, seven one-day series in New Zealand in December and January. Martin Snedden , chief executive of New Zealand Cricket, explained that both Tests would be played before Christmas with the one-day series starting on December 26 in Auckland.

"Given the time frame that we are working within and the desire of both teams to gain some valuable World Cup preparation by playing an extended one-day series, we have decided to allow for this by scheduling the two Test matches before Christmas," Snedden said. "Both teams feel that, with the World Cup so close, an extended one-day series will be beneficial to their preparation."

India will travel to New Zealand on the back of a seven-match series against West Indies. When they arrive they will play two warm-up matches, including a three-day game against the Central Districts, before the first Test starts at Wellington on December 12. The second will be at Hamilton from December 19.

The limited-overs component of the tour will include five day-night games and see the first-ever one-day international played at the scenic tourist town of Queenstown, on New Zealand's South Island.

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