KEY POINTS:
New Zealand cricket captain Daniel Vettori supports adding a third test to the schedule when India tour here in March.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has asked New Zealand Cricket to hold an extra test after the Indian government refused to clear its team's
planned tour to Pakistan later this month.
India are due to play tests at Hamilton and Wellington following Twenty20 and one-day internationals.
New Zealand coach Andy Moles has welcomed the prospect of another test against the world No 2 test side and Vettori agrees.
"I'm pretty excited. I think most players have been crying out for that third test match style series," he said on the eve of the third one-dayer against the West Indies at Westpac Stadium here tomorrow.
"It gives an opportunity for one team to win the series and probably makes it a little bit more interesting.
"The fact it's India and the fact they're one of the best teams in the world at the moment .... I think everyone would love to make it happen.
"I'm not sure if logistically it can happen but if it's do-able, I'd love to see it happen," Vettori said.
Moles was hopeful another match against the Indians could be arranged to help his side's development in the test arena.
"I personally think we need to play as much test match cricket as possible," he said.
"Time willing it would a great thing. India are one of the better sides in the world so the exposure our players would get from playing them would be very important."
NZC are working through the logistics of adding another test, a potentially tricky assignment with bookings and venues already in place.
The England Lions - essentially an A team - are also touring New Zealand between February 15 and March 20, placing an added strain on NZC's resources.
India are scheduled to arrive on March 1 and play their first match, a Twenty20 clash in Wellington, on March 6.
Five one-day internationals follow before tests at Seddon Park from March 26 and the Basin Reserve on April 3.
It is expected any additional test will be played at the start of the tour before the limited overs formats.
Napier's McLean Park seems the preferred venue as it is not involved in hosting Super 14 rugby matches once the new season opens in mid-February.
Ratnakar Shetty, the BCCI's chief administrative officer, told the Cricinfo website he expected India's request to be considered favourably.
"We expect a positive response from New Zealand but they are the home board and will have to consider the logistics at their end," he said.
An NZC spokesman said today a decision was expected later this week.
- NZPA
