India switches Test venue

Craig White in the nets at Ahmedabad (World Cup '96)

Indian cricket officials have revised the proposed itinerary for England's winter tour with the second Test now set to be played in Ahmedabad.

The decision means Nasser Hussain's side will be playing matches in two cities where England have never played Test cricket before, with the opener taking place in Mohali.

They did, however, meet New Zealand at the Gujarat Stadium during the 1996 World Cup, a game they lost by 11 runs.

There have also been changes to the venues for three of the five one-day internationals, which will follow after the squad has returned home for a Christmas break.

Calcutta will now stage the first game with Bombay hosting the third, instead of the other way round, and the fifth and final match will be played at Kanpur instead of Hyderabad.,

The itinerary has yet to be formally approved by the England and Wales Cricket Board, but the tour squad will be announced on Tuesday.

The selectors face a difficult task with fast bowler Darren Gough and wicket-keeper Alec Stewart having indicated that they wish to take a break from international cricket.

They will also be looking for a new opening batsman if, as expected, Mike Atherton confirms that he has played his last Test match.

England last played Test cricket in India nine years ago when Graham Gooch's side suffered a 3-0 whitewash.

Tour itinerary

18-20 November v President's XI, Bombay or Pune
23-25 November v India A, Hyderabad
28-30 November v Baroda, Jaipur or Jodhpur
3-7 December 1st Test, Mohali
11-15 December 2nd Test, Ahmedabad
19-23 December 3rd Test, Bangalore
22 January 1st ODI, Calcutta
25 January 2nd ODI, Madras
28 January 3rd ODI, Bombay
31 January 4th ODI, Delhi
3 February 5th ODI, Kanpur