CA pulls out of women's NZ cricket tour

New Zealand Cricket, in consultation with Cricket Australia made the decision following the earthquake in Christchurch.

CA is now organising to evacuate the team, which is safe and well, from Christchurch back to Australia.

Chief Executive Officer James Sutherland said from Auckland today that Australian cricket was shocked about the tragic earthquake and had passed on its condolences to its close friends at New Zealand Cricket, which is based in Christchurch.

"It is a terrible time for New Zealand but we are pleased that NZC's staff are also safe and well,'' he said.

"The squad is in good spirits, staying at their training base at Lincoln University, about 25kms south west of Christchurch, and plans are now being finalised to get the team home.''

Team Manager Julie Savage said: "We were training yesterday when the earthquake hit and while we felt the earth move beneath our feet, no-one was injured and we continued training after the tremor stopped.

"It wasn't until we later switched on the TV and saw the disastrous impact the earthquake had on the city of Christchurch.''

Cricket Australia is in the process of working with the Australian Government to get the team home with details to be confirmed at this stage.