Aussies call off strike

PERTH, NOV 22: Australia8217;s elite cricketers have decided on a 8220;cool-off8221; period, shelving strike plans which threatened to cripple the summer8217;s programme.

The change of tactics was revealed here today by Australian vice-captain Steve Waugh, also secretary of the newly-formed Australian Cricketers8217; Association ACA, which is embroiled in a bitter dispute over pay and conditions with the Australian Cricket Board ACB.

Waugh admitted the ACA had not sold its side of the dispute well, saying they now plan to speak out to tell the public what he calls 8220;the real issues8221;.

Members of the Australian side currently playing New Zealand in the second Test here had a lengthy meeting Friday night with ACA president Tim May, the former Test spin bowler, and sports consultant James Erskine.