COVID-19 pandemic sends ODIs behind closed doors
Australia’s three-match men’s ODI series with New Zealand will be played behind closed doors, Cricket Australia announced today, while the World Cup-winning women’s side’s South Africa tour has been suspended.
Australia and New Zealand’s men will now play two matches in an empty Sydney Cricket Ground on Friday and Sunday, with a third match scheduled for next Friday at Hobart’s Blundstone Arena.
Life’s tough without the fans ?
(via @cricketcomau) pic.twitter.com/wmRjg1mklY
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) March 13, 2020
The matches will still be broadcast live on Fox Sports and Kayo, while ABC and Macquarie will have the radio calls, but only accredited media and broadcast personnel will be admitted into the venues.
1st Closed doors Intl match going on between Aus vs NZ bcoz of Corona virus!#AUSvNZ pic.twitter.com/b61CeCqM7w
— ?????? (@Shebas_10dulkar) March 13, 2020
All fans who purchased tickets are eligible for a full refund. And while media and broadcasters will be allowed access, a precautionary perimeter between them and the players and team staff will be enforced.
CA has also confirmed the planned six-game tour of South Africa by the Australian women’s team has been suspended until further notice
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Meg Lanning’s side were set to depart this weekend for three ODIs and three T20 internationals between March 22 and April 4.
There is no impact on the remaining Marsh Sheffield Shield fixtures, with the final round due to get underway from March 17 and the final scheduled for March 27, which is likely to be played in Wollongong.