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India-Australia four-year Test cycle
Source: PTI
July 16, 2005 19:26 IST

Cricket Australia and the Board of Control for Cricket in India have agreed to a four-year cycle for Tests and two-year cycle for One-Day Internationals between the two countries.

Disclosing this, Cricket Australia's chairman Bob Merriman told newspersons that as per the new agreement the teams would play four Tests against each other every four years.

"Similarly, India and Australia will play a five-ODI series every two years," Merriman added.

He said efforts are now on to fit this schedule into International Cricket Council's six-year programme.

This matter is likely to be discussed at a meeting in Dubai in mid-August.

"If we get the go ahead from the ICC, then the blueprint for the proposal will get the official seal in October," he said.

Asked about Australia's preparation for the 2007 World Cup in the West Indies, Merriman replied, "The World Cup is not our priority right now; we are now focussed on doing well in the forthcoming Tests."

Merriman said it is Australia's target to succeed in three Test series every year.

Asked about inducting new blood into the Australian team, the Cricket Australia chief said the country's selection committee adopted a "phase-in/phase-out" policy by which new players would constantly come in as and when required, replacing the old guard.

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