South Africa was all set to host Australia, a team they lost to in the semi-final of ICC Women’s World T20, for a three-match ODI series and a three-match T20 series.
The ODI series was scheduled to start on March 22. However, it is known that the World T20 champions will not travel to South Africa as a part of the preventative measure against coronavirus. This is the first major international series that is canceled because of COVID-19. The Proteas would have liked to redeem themselves against the five-time T20 World champions, but for now, they will have to wait.
On March 8, when Australia played India in the World T20 finals at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), the MCG officials have reported that one spectator among the crowd of 86,174 is tested positive for in for coronavirus. Australia has confirmed 122 cases of the virus, as of March 11, significantly more than South Africa, where 17 cases have been reported.
The person is believed to have been seated in N42 in Women’s #T20WorldCup final which hosts Australia won after beating India by 85 runs. The authorities, however, stated that the risk of him infecting others was low.#INDvAUS #coronavirus #CoronaOutbreak pic.twitter.com/bKkqJLVio7
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) March 12, 2020
Apart from cricket, other sporting events in Australia have been also affected by McLaren withdrawing from the season-opening Formula 1 Grand Prix after one of their team members also tested positive. On the other hand, South Africa is yet to feel the same kind of pinch which is evident from the fact that the Cape Town Jazz Festival, the continent’s biggest, is all set to happen later in March.
Albeit the series being part of the ICC Women’s Championship, its cancellation or postponement will not have any effect on either side’s qualification for the 50-over World Cup scheduled next year in New Zealand. Australia are currently sitting comfortably on the top of the table and are certain of participating in the flagship event. South Africa have also secured their spot by beating New Zealand before the T20 World Cup.
JUST IN:
Australian Women’s upcoming tour to South Africa, scheduled to consist of three ODIs and three T20Is, been called off as part of preventative measures against coronavirus. #CoronaVirusUpdate #coronavirus— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) March 12, 2020
From the men’s cricket standpoint, South Africa’s tour to India continues. The first ODI at Dharamshala on March 12 was washed out. The remaining two games will be played in Lucknow on March 15 and Kolkata on March 18.
At home, South Africa’s domestic season remains unaffected. However, crowd attendance will be a cause of concern as not many are expected to come to the ground to watch the game of cricket.
Loves all things female cricket
