Cricket-Players must be available for dope tests from Aug. 1

LONDON, July 16 (Reuters) - International cricketers will be required to provide information about their whereabouts from Aug. 1 to enable out-of-competition dope testing.

In a statement on Friday, International Cricket Council (ICC) chief executive Haroon Lorgat said an international registered testing pool of players would be set up in accordance with World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) rules.

"After a long and thorough process, we now have a tough and practical set of rules that will support our zero-tolerance approach to doping in our great sport," he said.

Although cricket has been not been affected by the drug problems which have blighted athletics, cycling and weightlifting, Pakistan pace bowler Mohammad Asif has tested positive twice for steroids.

Asif is a member of the Pakistan side who played in the first test against Australia which started at Lord's on Tuesday. (Reporting by John Mehaffey; Editing by Clare Fallon; To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)