Cricket Australia announces international schedule for 2020-21 summer

Cricket Australia (CA) has put forth its entire international schedule, starting August 9 with a Men’s ODI series against Zimbabwe and ending with a one-off T20I versus New Zealand on February 2, 2021. Cricket in the country came to a halt in March after the hosts’ first ODI versus the Black Caps at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Their home Tests against Bangladesh also had to be cancelled.

However, with the restrictions in Australia being loosened, CA is optimistic about the games going ahead as per schedule provided the coronavirus doesn’t play spoilsport. Kevin Roberts, the CA chief Executive said that the schedule for the summer is subject to changes depending on the situation.

Australia’s packed schedule until February 2021

“While acknowledging the difficulty in navigating a global pandemic, we are nonetheless encouraged by the progress Australia is making in combating the coronavirus and the positive impact that is having on our ability to host an exciting summer of cricket in 2020-21,” Roberts was quoted as saying in cricket.com.au.

“We know that circumstances or events beyond our control could mean that the final schedule potentially may look different to the one released today, but we’ll be doing everything we can to get as much international cricket in as possible this summer. We will communicate any changes to the schedule if or when they are required,” he added.

Earlier, it was learned that India would be touring Australia for a four-match Test series in December. Prior to that Afghanistan would also be playing their maiden Day-Night Test in Australia at Perth. Roberts also talked about how the CA is keeping in touch with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for the men’s and women’s tours to take place.

Here’s the complete schedule: –

Men’s ODI Series v Zimbabwe

First ODI: August 9, TBC

Second ODI: August 12, TBC

Third ODI: August 15, Riverway Stadium, Townsville

Women’s T20 Series v New Zealand

First T20: September 27, North Sydney Oval

Second T20: September 29, North Sydney Oval

Third T20: October 1, North Sydney Oval

Men’s T20 international Series v West Indies

First T20: October 4, Riverway Stadium, Townsville

Second T20: October 6, Cazaly’s Stadium, Cairns

Third T20: October 9, Metricon Stadium, Gold Coast

Women’s ODI Series v New Zealand

First ODI: October 5, Riverway Stadium, Townsville

Second ODI: October 7, Cazaly’s Stadium, Cairns

Third ODI: October 10, Metricon Stadium, Gold Coast

Men’s T20 INTL Series v India

First T20: October 11, the Gabba, Brisbane

Second T20: October 14, Manuka Oval, Canberra

Third T20: October 17, Adelaide Oval

Men’s T20 World Cup

The men’s T20 World Cup is scheduled from October 18 to November 15.

Men’s Test v Afghanistan

Only Test: November 21-25, Perth Stadium (day-night)

Men’s Test Series v India

First Test: December 3-7, the Gabba, Brisbane

Second Test: December 11-15, Adelaide Oval (day-night)

Third Test: December 26-30, MCG

Fourth Test: January 3-7, SCG

Men’s ODI Series v India

First ODI: January 12, Perth Stadium

Second ODI: January 15, MCG

Third ODI: January 17, SCG

Women’s ODI Series v India

First ODI: January 22, Manuka Oval, Canberra

Second ODI: January 25, Junction Oval, Melbourne

Third ODI: January 28, Blundstone Arena, Hobart

Men’s ODI Series v New Zealand

First ODI: January 26, Adelaide Oval

Second ODI: January 29, Manuka Oval, Canberra

Third ODI: January 31, Blundstone Arena, Hobart

Men’s T20 v New Zealand

Only T20: February 2, SCG