Australia's T20I Tour Of New Zealand In March Scrapped

Australia’s tour of New Zealand for three T20I matches has been cancelled due to border restrictions between the trans-Tasman nations, Cricket Australia confirmed on Wednesday (February 9).

Australia cricket team was scheduled to play three T20I matches against the Black Caps at the McLean Park in Napier on March 17, 18 & 20.

The advent of Omicron has changed everything: New Zealand Cricket

During the time the series was planned and scheduled, both Cricket Australia and New Zealand Cricket had expected ease in trans-Tasman borders. There were no Mandatory Isolation and Quarantine accommodation available for the visiting side and as a result both the boards decided to scrap the series.

“At the time we scheduled the visit there was a lot of hope that the trans-Tasman border would be open for those who met the right criteria,” NZC chief executive David White said.

“However, the advent of Omicron has, unfortunately, changed everything at the border, and has made it impossible for us to continue with the series.

“It’s disappointing – but we know it’s the same for businesses and individuals and other sports, and we’re grateful for the international schedule we have,” he further added.

Australia-New Zealand ODI series postponed

Last month, the Chappell-Hadlee ODI series and a lone T20I match in Australia was postponed because of stringent quarantine restrictions in New Zealand.

New Zealand will host a couple of Test matches to South Africa in Christchurch, while Australia will play Sri Lanka in a five-match T20I series at home.

Netherlands’ only T20I match against the Black Caps, scheduled on March 25 in Mount Manganui, will now be played in Napier.

The two sides had clashed in the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 final in UAE on November 14 last year. Australia emerged victorious as they beat their trans-Tasman neighbours by eight wickets. Mitchell Marsh scored 77 runs from 50 balls at the strike rate of 154.

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