Cricket Australia on Friday (September 25) announced the postponement of the upcoming series against Afghanistan and New Zealand to 2021-22 amid growing concerns of coronavirus. Both were scheduled for the upcoming summer in Australia. Australia will be playing a Test match against Afghanistan and a three-match ODI series against the Kiwis.

The problem of scheduling the series amid the pandemic is the reason why Cricket Australia decided to postpone the series. They further said that they are confident of finding the right window by 2021-22.

“Cricket Australia looks forward to working with our good friends at the Afghanistan Cricket Board and New Zealand Cricket to deliver the matches at a time when, hopefully, the restrictions brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic have eased,” said Nick Hockley, Cricket Australia’s Interim CEO.

“We all worked incredibly hard to make the series happen this summer, but the challenges around international travel and quarantine restrictions ultimately convinced all parties that the series would need to be played at a later date” he further added.

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India to Tour Australia Later This Year

Meanwhile, Australia will play a series against India in the summer comprising of four Tests, three ODIs and three T20Is. The games will take place in empty stadiums which is the ‘new normal’ amid these unfortunate times.

“CA looks forward to welcoming the Indian men’s team for a full schedule of matches this summer in what promises to be an incredible contest across all three formats.”

“CA would also like to take this opportunity to thank our wonderful partners for their understanding and support as we have navigated the complexities of hosting international sport during a pandemic to deliver a thrilling summer across men’s and women’s cricket at international and domestic level,” added Hockley.

Virat Kohli’s men became the first Indian side ever to win a Test series on Australia when they toured them back in 2019. They won the 2-1 against an Australian team without Steve Smith and David Warner.

The rivalry between India and Australia is likely to reach new heights when both these teams lock horns later this year.

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