The coronavirus pandemic brought a halt to cricket around the world. All the cricket matches be it international series or domestic tournaments were either cancelled or postponed due to a broad spread of COVID-19 followed by the worldwide lockdown.
However, now slowly and gradually things are changing as England opened the doors to kickstart the cricketing action on its soil by inviting West Indies for the first Test series post the global pandemic. After the completion of the Test series with the Caribbeans, the English team is supposed to play against Ireland, Pakistan and Australia.
Not so long ago, Cricket Australia (CA) announced a 26-man squad for the limited-overs series against England. Now, the proposed dates for the tour of England have been revealed. The Aussies will play three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and as many T20s in the first half of September.
As per Fox Cricket, Australia will play T20s on September 4, 6 and 8, and one-dayers on September 10, 12 and 15. The Aaron Finch-led side will take a private flight to the United Kingdom (UK).
All six matches are expected to be played at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton and Old Trafford in Manchester — the same venues where the ongoing three-match Test series between England and West Indies is taking place.
Also, as per media reports, the UK Government will not ask Australia’s players and staff to quarantine for a fortnight — a self-isolation procedure which was followed by the West Indies before the beginning of the current Test series. The Pakistan team is also fulfilling the same protocols.
CA’s chief of national teams Ben Oliver said health and safety of players along with the staff are essential for them.
“We obviously take the quarantine requirements very seriously. We must understand that fully before a decision on the tour is made. For elite cricketers, elite athletes generally, the ability to train and stay fit and keep ticking over is an essential factor,” Oliver said.
“Obviously, the health and safety of players and staff and public health component is critical. The quarantine arrangements aren’t in place, and they’re not confirmed. They exist in terms of general international travel at the moment, so that’s something we’re working through, but it is a consideration,” he added.
