HIGHLIGHTS:
Cricket Australia looking for a window to host T20I series after CEO confirmed the quarantine period. Also updates about the Pink-ball test against England at the Motera,
(Photo: Getty Image, Left- Aaron Finch and Right- Virat Kohli)
India is going to tour Australia later this year, confirms BCCI and the schedule of the four-Test series including the Pink-ball test has been confirmed. However, the dates of the white-ball series has not been confirmed till now due to the given 14-days quarantine period for Team India as the Government guidelines.
CA Chief Executive Nick Hockley said it clearly that CA is looking for a window to host T20 series between Australia and India which was earlier set to be played in October, keeping in mind the 14-days quarantine period that Team India have to go through after landing in Australia.
BCCI official also clears doubts about the expected dates of the white-ball series against Australia and about the Pink-ball Test at the Motera.
"The protocols in place in Australia are necessary on account of the pandemic and it's perfectly understandable. There are no two ways about that. We are all dealing with the challenges that the pandemic poses to us and the commitment with other boards regarding dates is a challenge that will prove difficult to meet in these circumstances and accordingly the dates and length of the tours may need to be tweaked and that may mean amending the number of matches. A 14-day quarantine means it would get reduced from the total length of the tour," a BCCI official told IANS.
"We were apprised that work is being done on the schedule before it is finalized. They are looking at fitting in the T20I series. India also play England after returning from Australia and that schedule is also being worked out while the pink-ball Test is fixed for Ahmedabad. We need to see how the other venues are placed and the distance from hotels to the grounds and things like that with an eye on the current scenario due to the pandemic,” the official added.
“Hopefully we will have further clarity before the end of the year as working in tandem with the government is a must,” further said.
The ODI series between Australia and India schedule to be ends on Jan 17th and the official also explained the gap expected between the two white-ball series.
"The ODI series in Australia at present ends on January 17 and even if the teams get a two-day breather before starting the T20I series that would mean that the first T20I can only be played by January 20. Having games on alternate days at the same venue would mean the T20I series ending on January 24. That would see India heading home on January 26 at the earliest,” the official said.
"Even if we imagine that quarantine rules won't exist in India till then, you cannot have a Test series without at least a gap of 7-10 days as the boys need a minimum time to adapt back not just from white-ball to red, but also the change in timing. So, the England series moves into February," the BCCI official said.
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