COVID-19: Australia-Zimbabwe ODI series postponed

The One-Day series between Australia and Zimbabwe was on Tuesday, June 30 postponed by mutual agreement between the two boards due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The three-match series was to play in August but Australia is currently grappling with a fresh wave of COVID-19 cases. The country has recorded more than 7,500 positive tests so far, of which a little over 7,000 have recovered with the death toll at 104 currently.

Cricket Australia said the two Boards came 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,” read a CA statement.

CA interim chief Nick Hockley said given the factors, postponement seemed to be the right.

“While we are disappointed to postpone the series, CA and Zimbabwe Cricket 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,” Hockley said.

“We are committed to working with Zimbabwe Cricket on alternative dates to reschedule.”

Australia requires a mandatory 14-day quarantine period for international arrivals.

Zimbabwe has not visited Australia since 2003-04 and in their last ODI meeting, the team from the African nation had beaten Michael Clarke-captained side in a 2014 tri-series played in Harare.

“We were excited about facing Australia but, given the circumstances, deferring the tour was the only possible option,” said Givemore Makoni, Zimbabwe Cricket’s acting managing director.

“We are, however, looking forward to the rescheduling of the series as soon as practically possible,” he added.