Zimbabwe’s Australia tour put on hold amidst coronavirus situation

Another cricket series has fallen prey to the coronavirus pandemic. However, this time it is a series that had not taken place for the last 16 years. Zimbabwe’s three-match ODI series against Australia in August has been postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Both the cricket boards mutually agreed to this decision.

Zimbabwe were scheduled to feature in a mini-series that consisted of three ODIs. These three 50-over matches were initially scheduled to take place on 9th, 12th and 15th August. The last time Zimbabwe faced Australia in an ODI was in August 2014 where they defeated the future World champions by three wickets. The last time these two teams played in Australia was in 2004, where Zimbabwe had participated in the tri-series involving India.

Zimbabwe’s Acting 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.”

This is the second series involving Zimbabwe that has been suspended. They were scheduled to host Afghanistan for five T20I, which now seems highly unlikely. For Australia, their next assignment is likely to be a limited-overs series in England. However, that will depend on how the West Indies and Pakistan tours in England go about.