Committed to working with Zimbabwe on alternative dates to reschedule ODI series: Cricket Australia

CHENNAI:

Cricket Australia

(CA) and

Zimbabwe Cricket

(ZC) have agreed to postpone the ODI series scheduled to be played in Australia in August, a release from Australia's cricket body stated.


Zimbabwe was scheduled to play three ODIs on August 9, 12 and 15. The venues for the first two matches was yet to be decided, while the third match was to be held in Townsville.

Interim Cricket Australia CEO, Nick Hockley, said: "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. We are committed to working with Zimbabwe Cricket on alternative dates to reschedule," he said.

The Boards of both cricket bodies have come to the mutual conclusion due to a combination of factors including: the short length of the series, the significant bio-security measures that would need to be implemented prior to August, and concern for the health and safety of players, match officials, and volunteers.

Acting Zimbabwe Cricket Managing Director, Givemore Makoni, said: "We were excited about facing Australia but, given the circumstances, deferring the tour was the only option. We are, however, looking forward to the rescheduling of the series as soon as practically possible," he said.

Cricket Australia will continue to seek advice from medical experts and relevant government agencies to ensure the health and safety of our people, volunteers and communities.

Meanwhile, it was also stated earlier that Australia, who were supposed to take part in three T20Is and three ODIs in England between July 3-16, are keen to reschedule the series for September. Even though Aussies are likely to tour the UK to play limited-overs cricket, Test matches between the two sides are not on the agenda.