Australia’s upcoming One Day International cricket series against Zimbabwe has been postponed due to coronavirus concerns.
The three-match series was scheduled to take place in Australia during August, however, Cricket Australia and Zimbabwe Cricket agreed to its postponement this week. The two cricket bodies have not yet announced replacement dates for the series
“While we are disappointed to postpone the series, CA and ZC agree that in the best interest of players, match officials, volunteers as well as our fans, that this is the most practical and sensible decision,” interim Cricket Australia chief executive Nick Hockley said in a statement.
“We are committed to working with Zimbabwe Cricket on alternative dates to reschedule.”
Givemore Makoni, Zimbabwe Cricket’s acting managing director, echoed Hockley’s sentiments.
“We were excited about facing Australia but, given the circumstances, deferring the tour was the only possible option,” he said.
“We are, however, looking forward to the rescheduling of the series as soon as practically possible.”
The postponed series would have been the Australian men’s team’s first ever visit to Riverway Stadium in Townsville. The third match of the series had been scheduled to take place in the North Queensland venue.
Cricket Australia had reportedly been considering playing part of the series in Darwin.
The postponement of the series coincides with the recent spike in coronavirus cases seen across Victoria. The state reported 64 new cases of coronavirus yesterday (Monday, June 29th).
Australia last faced Zimbabwe in a One Day International match in 2014, during a tri-series which also featured matches against South Africa.
Zimbabwe memorably defeated Australia in one of the two matches the countries played together that series. It was the Zimbabwean side’s first win against Australia in an ODI match in 31 years.
Check out the Australian men’s team in Zimbabwe:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yTa2XDSIL8
