Australia will play the Blacks Caps in three tests and five ODIs next summer. Photo / Getty Images
MELBOURNE - The Black Caps will play Australia in three tests and five-one internationals and most likely a Twenty20 match next summer.
Cricket Australia (CA) confirmed it will shelve its triangular one-day series from 2008-09.
It will schedule Australia to play South Africa and New Zealand in three
test matches and five one-day internationals each in 2008-09 and most likely one Twenty20 clash each.
The new format means Australia will play head-to-head series against their rivals, and not participate in the tri-series, which has been played every summer since 1979-80.
This season's tri-series involving Australia, India and Sri Lanka will not be changed.
CA chief executive James Sutherland said scheduling head-to-head series gave the organisation more flexibility in regard to programming, as it was difficult to fit in with the playing commitments of other countries in cricket's busiest period.
This summer has highlighted the difficulties CA faces, as India's current home series against Pakistan means Anil Kumble's side will not arrive in Australia until mid-December, resulting in this month being largely free of international cricket in this country.
Sutherland said Australia would also play head-to-head series against both the West Indies and Pakistan in the summer of 2009-10, but could revert to a triangular series in 2010-11 when England next tour.
The exact details of when Australia play the Proteas and Black Caps next summer is not expected to be announced until March.
New Zealand will play Bangladesh and England at home this summer.
- NZPA, AAP
