Australia’s 2026 multi-format showdown with India has been handed a scheduling adjustment, with the third ODI in March relocating from Melbourne’s Junction Oval to Hobart following delays in installing new floodlights.
The March 1 clash was due to be the St Kilda ground’s first international under lights, but construction setbacks mean the venue will not be ready in time. Cricket Victoria advised Cricket Australia that not only would the lights be unfinished, but areas of the ground would also be inaccessible to fans while work continued.
With the second ODI already scheduled for Hobart’s Bellerive Oval on February 27, and teams requiring proper recovery and preparation time between fixtures, holding a daytime contest in Melbourne was deemed unworkable. As a result, Tasmania will now host back-to-back matches, while the rest of the series schedule remains intact.
The Melbourne Cricket Ground, which might otherwise have been considered, was unavailable because of renovation works planned at the same time. Fans will receive a refund for their Junction Oval ticket purchases.
Peter Roach, Head of Cricket Operations and Scheduling for Cricket Australia, expressed disappointment but supported the choice while saying, “We are disappointed we have had to move this match from Junction Oval and that there will be no women’s international match in Melbourne this season,” Roach said.
“We anticipated the Junction Oval lights would be installed several weeks before this fixture and were looking forward to celebrating the first international match under lights at the ground.
“Unfortunately, the MCG is not available due to renovation works, while logistical factors including the compact multiformat schedule and ongoing works at Junction Oval meant we could not play this match as a day fixture.
“We are grateful to Cricket Tasmania for hosting a second game in Hobart and hope fans in Tasmania will seize both opportunities to get behind our world champion women’s team.
“We look forward to a wonderful series against India and women’s international cricket returning to Melbourne next season.”
Australia v India multi-format series 2026:
First T20I: February 15, SCG, Sydney (N)
Second T20I: February 19, Manuka Oval, Canberra (N)
Third T20I: February 21, Adelaide Oval, Adelaide (N)
First ODI: February 24, Allan Border Field, Brisbane (D/N)
Second ODI: February 27, Bellerive Oval, Hobart (D/N)
Third ODI: March 1, Bellerive Oval, Hobart (D/N)
Day-night Test: March 6-9, WACA Ground, Perth (D/N)
The switch means Tasmania will enjoy an extended slice of the action, further building on its growing reputation as a vibrant hub for women’s internationals, while Melbourne supporters will have to wait until next summer to see their team in action.
(Quotes sourced from cricket.com.au)
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