Australia agree to stage 20-over exhibition match

Australia cricket officials have bowed to the increasing popularity of 20-over cricket by including a one-off match in their international schedule.

Cricket Australia (CA) chief executive James Sutherland said on Tuesday that Australia's "A" team would play Pakistan in a 20-over exhibition match at Adelaide Oval on January 13, the first time the abbreviated game has been staged in Australia.

"Twenty over cricket has proved to be popular in various domestic markets overseas, and we're certainly keeping abreast of its progress," Sutherland said in a statement.

"I'm sure this exhibition game will provide an opportunity for fans, sponsors and administrators alike, to have a closer look at the concept of 20-over cricket."

Australian officials had initially appeared reluctant to embrace the game that has been successful in England and South Africa but seem to be slowing changing their minds.

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They agreed to play a single 20-over game on next year's tours of New Zealand and England and the decision to add the January 13 match shows they are thinking about the abbreviated game.

Sutherland however Australia would not focus on the game until it is awarded full international status.

"Our current priority is to develop cricketers for international competition and, at this stage, such a format does not exist in the international arena," Sutherland said.

"If this changes and international 20/20 cricket becomes a reality, we will want to be the number one nation at it.

"Until this time though, we will continue to monitor trends, and ensure that our cricket pathways best-prepare our players for Test matches and one-day international cricket."