Reports: Australia likely to host Afghanistan for one-off Test during 2021-22 summer in November

Afghanistan look set to travel to Australia this year for the historic Test that was postponed last year due to the pandemic. Australia were scheduled to host the Asian country last summer before the series against India. However, the plan was postponed although their series against India went ahead as originally scheduled.

Last year, Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) had announced that the game will be rescheduled in November 2021 while confirming the postponement. Cricket Australia (CA) is now reportedly on the verge of confirming the Test against Afghanistan. As per reports, the match is likely to take place in November in Hobart.

The one-off Test would give the Australian players the opportunity to prepare themselves for the Ashes that is likely to start in December. “The Test in Perth was huge for us, and everyone back home was waiting for it. It could have been a historic Test. It is like a dream that comes true for any player to be a part of it. I would have considered myself so lucky to play in Australia against Australia, but this pandemic has really affected us.

“Hopefully, things are better, and this year is a huge year for us as a team, as a nation, and as players, and we will try our best to deliver,” Rashid Khan had told ESPN earlier this month.

Australia likely to host Ireland too

According to a report in Fox Sports, Australia are likely to play their first-ever Test against Ireland, the world’s newest Test member, in the 2022-23 summer. However, CA is yet to take any concrete decision on the prospect of hosting Ireland. According to the report, a CA spokesperson has described any such move as being in an “embryonic” stage — if at all.

Australia have not played Ireland in any format since 2016. Ireland, who earned the Test status in 2017, have played three Tests so far and are yet to win one. In 2019, they had given England a mighty scare at the iconic Lord’s but eventually lost the game. Ireland had bowled out England for 85 but lost the game by 143 runs after being bowled out for 38 in their second innings.

Afghanistan, on the other hand, have done relatively better. Just like Ireland, they were also awarded the Test status in 2017 and have played six games so far. Out of the six Tests, they have won three so far. One of those wins came earlier this month against Zimbabwe in the UAE.