Australia’s one-off Test against Afghanistan and the three-match ODI series against New Zealand have officially been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Test against Afghanistan was scheduled to be held in November in Perth.
Under the original plan, Afghanistan would have competed in the T20 World Cup in Australia before staying in the country for the Test.
But when the World Cup was postponed until 2022, it made the mission of flying Afghanistan to Australia and quarantining for two weeks far too costly.
Cricket Australia says its is confident it will find a suitable window for each postponed match to be played by 2023 at the latest.
CA interim chief executive Nick Hockley said the matches will take place once restrictions have been eased.
“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 said.
The Australian men’s team will host India for four Tests, three ODIs and three T20s this summer, but the venues and dates are yet to be locked in.
CA announced on Thursday that the first four rounds of the Sheffield Shield will be held in a South Australian hub in October and November.
Timmuh
Roar Guru
Two Aus teams and/or AusA against India, its not substitute for an actual Test of course. And people weren't watchig AusA games by the time they ended as a regular lead-up fixture. I wonder how many would watch two Aus teams not in a competition that don't watch the Shield. With promotion, maybe there would be an audience as a one-off thing. From a cricketing point of view, getting the internationals in the Shield more often is more important than taking yet another set of leading players out. Probably worth a try this year, but as a regular event perhaps not - unless done before the Shield starts or after it ends. Going off topic a little, that could be an interesting one for away series. After the Shield final, the Shield Team of the Year playing against an Australian side in March (when there isn't an eand of summer away series) as a reward for Shield form and a chance to impress for national selection.
Once Upon a Time on the Roar
Roar Guru
So was I.
Sideline Commentator
Roar Guru
With proper promotion this could be so good, especially for the die-hards. But I fear that in practice it might end up being such a mess. CA wouldn't trust the drawing power of prospective talent to sell the game, as much as we would like to see lesser known or young guys prove their level. Instead, they would stack the second team full of tried and semi-failed players who are more recognisable to casuals. This would annoy the more involved fans, who would destroy the team online. It would then just fall apart. I think a more likely thing is a "friendly" with the current big players mixed with retired stars - which would be lame.
Tigerbill44
Roar Guru
Disappointed. but I don't think they had much choice.
badmanners
Roar Rookie
See my suggestion above Timmuh, could be a way out for CA and would make great viewing for us! :thumbup:
AREH
Roar Guru
LIKE! Too sensible though
Gee
Roar Rookie
A pity but understandable given the state of the world. Maybe a return to the top end for those rescheduled games? And hopefully from a cricket stand point we don't have another Dan Andrews style balls up so we can get India here for summer.
JGK
Roar Guru
Shame. Was looking forward to that match.
Timmuh
Roar Guru
Seven finally have an excuse for all their bitching. It wouldn't be high rating content even if it went ahead, but there is now no argument there will be less content this summer.
Jeff
Roar Rookie
Ha, yeah would probably last longer! But I really was looking forward to seeing Afghanistan test themselves and they get provided with so few scheduling slot opportunities internationally. Same with the perpetually postponed Tests v Bangladesh. The Covid situation can't be helped, but the WACA is running into serious problems re securing a long term support base re membership and match attendance with recent scheduling decisions, going back to the "no-Test" Indian summer four years ago and now this. Not the WACA's fault, but unless a way is found to make the WA public feel like they matter in the eyes of CA and can get used to a routine of regular fixtures, cricket support from the general public is going to suffer in WA in the medium term.
badmanners
Roar Rookie
4 day game, Australian Probables versus Australian Possibles? Likely rate better! And last longer.
Jeff
Roar Rookie
The WACA is going to be in serious financial trouble after this season. And by extension local cricket will also suffer.
Nick
Roar Guru
Cricket Australia got their wish this year. The ability to defer Bangladesh and Afghanistan and have a legitimate excuse for a change.