Mark Richardson: Invitation cricket is a welcome addition

The carnage caused by the Asian tsunami you would never wish on anyone, however it is amazing how often opportunity arises from adversity. I'd like to congratulate New Zealand Cricket, Australian Cricket, FICA (Federation of International Cricketers Association) and NZCPA (The New Zealand Cricket Players Association) for taking such an opportunity.

When the Sri Lankans returned home to their stricken country the New Zealand cricket fraternity, while fully accepting of the decision, could be excused for pining the loss of quality international cricket.

Quickly people looked at the bright side and the first positive came in the form of the Black Caps strengthening the domestic competition.

Then came the World XI initiative. The tsunami relief game in Melbourne has led the way and what a roaring success that game was, both from cricket and fund-raising perspectives.

Now we can look forward to the FICA World XI series against the Black Caps.

This series is an organisational triumph for all concerned and the co-operation to make this idea a reality so quickly is heartening.

The cricket scenario we face now is better than the one we had pre-disaster. We are going to see some exceptional cricket and cricketers over the remainder of the summer and the international programme has been extended into the months of better weather and pitches.

I have always been sceptical of invitation-style cricket. It tends to lack the intensity that playing for your country produces and can be played in a carnival atmosphere.

Not in this case though. The quality of cricket we saw in the Tsunami Relief match was exceptional. Its official ODI status and the natural competitiveness of the players ensured that soft runs and wickets were not granted and some players even raised their standards.

The FICA games, while not official ODIs, will be played even more competitively because there is more on the line for the players.

Firstly it is a full Black Caps selection, albeit the selectors have taken the non-ODI status to experiment with 'The Golden One' Jeff Wilson - a positive in itself, and as such expect nothing but full commitment. Then there is the opposition. These are quality cricketers with something to prove.

Andy Bichel and Lance Klusener are in top form in domestic competition and will use this series to push for re-selection. Justin Langer will want to show the world he can actually play the shorter game and Shane Warne is making noises - nothing unusual for him - of an ODI return. Muttiah Muralitharan also needs the cricket, while Andy Flower and Heath Streak will relish the opportunity. And the rest, well they're all just great players.\

- HERALD ON SUNDAY