Australia set to cancel tour of Zimbabwe

Australia are on the verge of announcing they have cancelled a planned two-Test tour of Zimbabwe next month because of safety concerns, The Australian newspaper reported on Tuesday.

The Australian Cricket Board's move follows advice from the Australia government's foreign affairs department that Australians should avoid the country because of the risk in being caught up in violent incidents, the newspaper said.

Australian prime minister John Howard's high-profile role in Zimbabwe's suspension from the Commonwealth in the wake of the presidential elections this month had added to the risk of violence, Australia foreign affairs minister Alexander Downer warned last week.

"There is a possibility that the three one-day matches and and two Tests, scheduled for later this month and early next month, may be played in South Africa," The Australian newspaper said.

An ACB spokesman said the tour was still on but the board were receiving daily updates on the safety issue.

Australia one-day captain Ricky Ponting recently admitted he was concerned about the possibility of violence on the tour.

Mail Cricket Editor