Chennai and Kolkata to swap Tests

MUMBAI, JAN. 27. The second Test between India and Australia which was allotted to the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) has now gone to the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB). The TNCA will host the third Test from March 18-22 and the CAB, the second from March 11 to 15.

The CAB President Mr. Jagmohan Dalmiya made an attempt, but in vain, to get the first Test moved to Kolkata. The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) official did not accept the reasoning that it will be hot and humid in Kolkata in the second week of March and it will not be conducive for five-day Test. This was at the BCCI's Working Committee meeting in New Delhi on January 22.

The BCCI announced the itinerary on January 22 with Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata as the venues for the Test series.``Both the TNCA and CAB have agreed to exchange the second and third Tests,'' said Mr. Jaywant Lele, Secretary, BCCI. The Australians will fly to Kolkata after playing the three-day match against the BCCI President's XI in New Delhi.

The cricket-loving fraternity of Chennai is the loser in the bargain. The interest would have diminished if the two teams land in Chennai after the series has been decided.

- Our Special Correspondent

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Section  : Sport
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