… Windies, Pakistan to play three Tests each
CRICKET Australia has announced the 2009-10 International Programme that will see the hosts take on the West Indies and Pakistan in the summer that includes six Tests, 10 one-day internationals and three Twenty20s.

Australia will play two separate three-match 3 Mobile Test Series against the West Indies and Pakistan in 43 days of international cricket action.

The hosts will play Pakistan in Australia for the first time in a Test series since 2004-05, when Australia won 3-0, while they will also be looking to retain the Sir Frank Worrell Trophy against the West Indies.

The 2009-10 schedule again sees two separate five-match, head-to-head Commonwealth Bank Series against the West Indies in January followed by a series against Pakistan in February.

There will be another three KFC Twenty20 Internationals this summer, one against Pakistan and two against the West Indies in February.

Last summer the KFC Twenty20 Internationals at Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney drew a combined crowd total of 121 706 and this summer’s schedule looks set to push that figure as the popularity of Twenty20 cricket continues to capture the imagination of fans.

The 3 Mobile Test Series returns to Tasmania again in 2009-10, with a match against Pakistan in January. This is doubled with the state’s very first KFC Twenty20 International scheduled for February 21 that is sure to draw a big crowd.

The Australian summer also maintains its traditional elements with Brisbane again hosting the opening international match of the season when Australia play the West Indies in the first 3 Mobile Test match. The Boxing Day 3 Mobile Test and New Year’s 3 Mobile Test will be against Pakistan in Melbourne and Sydney respectively.

Similarly to last year, the 3 Mobile Test against Pakistan in Sydney will again start on January 3.

Cricket Australia Chief Executive Officer James Sutherland said: “We are very much looking forward to having the West Indies and Pakistan in Australia this summer. They are two countries we have warm cricket rivalries with and I look forward to seeing that continue.

“Hobart has a big summer of cricket ahead, returning to the 3 Mobile Test Series schedule with the final Test of the summer against Pakistan. The last time Australia played Pakistan in Hobart it was a thrilling encounter that saw a magnificent partnership between Justin Langer and Adam Gilchrist steer Australia to victory on the final day. It was a fine example of Test cricket.

“In addition to the 3 Mobile Test, Hobart will also host their first KFC Twenty20 International against the West Indies in February and we expect to see a packed house at Bellerive. Twenty20 cricket continues to thrive and Tasmanian fans will be looking forward to their first taste of the format at international level.

“Melbourne hosts back-to-back international matches in early February. A KFC Twenty20 International against Pakistan is followed by the opening Commonwealth Bank Series match against the West Indies two days later.

“We are positive the sports-loving Melbourne public will get right behind the encounters and provide a terrific atmosphere and endorsement for the state once again. Pakistan were runner-ups at the last ICC World Twenty20 in South Africa in 2007 and will be keen to finish their tour of Australia on a winning note.

“After losing the Commonwealth Bank Series trophy to South Africa last summer, I know Ricky and the team will be keen for a clean-sweep this summer and the last two matches of the series against Pakistan in Perth will be crucial to their aspiration.

“West Australians love their cricket and the back-to-back matches on January 29 and 31 will provide a feast of cricket to match their appetite.

“It shapes as another action-packed Australian summer; a schedule that provides plenty of opportunities for cricket fans to get out and see the slightly new-look national team. I’ll see you there.”

Live scores, match information, statistics, daily match highlights and behind the-scenes videos from the entire 2009-10 international season will again be available to all on www.cricket.com.au. Tickets to the 2009-10 international cricket season will go on sale in August with priority access tickets available to eligible members of the Australian Cricket Family on sale from August 10 and tickets for the general public on sale from August 20. Fans can register to be a member of the Australian Cricket Family at www.cricket.com.au.

The interstate season schedule and Women’s International Series for 2009-10 will be announced in coming weeks.
2009-10 International Programme
3 Mobile Test Series
November 26-30 – Australia v West Indies Brisbane
December 4-8 – Australia v West Indies Adelaide
December 16-20 – Australia v West Indies Perth
December 26-30 – Australia v Pakistan Melbourne
January 3-7 – Australia v Pakistan Sydney
January 14-18 – Australia v Pakistan Hobart

Commonwealth Bank Series
January 22 – Australia v Pakistan Brisbane
January 24 – Australia v Pakistan Sydney
January 26 – Australia v Pakistan Adelaide
January 29 – Australia v Pakistan Perth
January 31 – Australia v Pakistan Perth

KFC Twenty20 International
February 5 – Australia v Pakistan Melbourne

Commonwealth Bank Series
February 7 – Australia v West Indies Melbourne
February 9 – Australia v West Indies Adelaide
February 12 – Australia v West Indies Sydney
February 14 – Australia v West Indies Brisbane
February 19 – Australia v West Indies Melbourne

KFC Twenty20 International
February 21 – Australia v West Indies Hobart
February 23 – Australia v West Indies Sydney