New Zealand 'A'

The New Zealand 'A' side is on its way to Sri Lanka for a six week tour incorporating a one day series with South Africa and Sri Lanka and a three match first-class series against the hosts.

One player who is missing from the squad is Ian Butler, who is instead playing for Northern in the high octane world of the Littlewoods Gaming Liverpool Competition Premier League. Having not had his contract renewed with New Zealand Cricket, Butler seems to be burning his bridges to this country altogether. Unless of course, New Zealand Cricket simply decided that Ian O'Brien is a better player and are the ones busy setting fire to the river-spanning structural devices.