Australia vs India T20Is to be scrapped, Test series could get delay – Report

 

It is reported that the T20I series between Australia and India will be scrapped. Both the teams were to play a three-match T20I series against each other before the T20 World Cup in order to prepare for the showpiece. However, as the global event is set to be postponed, the T20I series will not be played.

The series was to begin from October 11 before the T20 World Cup but later it was decided that it would be clubbed with Test and ODI series. However, it might not be the case as the Indian board is looking to host the Indian Premier League in the window which will be left by the T20 World Cup. The IPL was initially to be hosted from March 29 but it was indefinitely postponed by the Indian board.

On the other hand, it also reported that the much-awaited Test series between Australia and India could be delayed by one week. As per the current schedule which was released by Cricket Australia, both the teams will play the first Test at the Gabba, Brisbane from December 3. However, it is speculated that the series could begin from December 10.

“The present (interim) schedule for the Australia tour was released by Cricket Australia (CA) with the first Test to begin on December 3. Also, to note is a three-match T20 series that was scheduled ahead of the Tests, to be followed by a three-match ODI series,” sources were quoted as saying in TOI.

“One of those two – either T20s or ODIs – will have to be cancelled. Most likely the T20s because the format was put in place keeping the T20 World Cup in Australia in mind. Now, that’s not happening, and IPL is. The start of the Test series will also be pushed by a week,” sources added.

There is still a lot of uncertainty regarding the schedule of the team and it would be interesting to note how things will pan out. Cricket Australia has asked its players to start preparing for the limited overs tour to England. On the other hand, ICC is soon expected to postpone the T20 World Cup.

Meanwhile, BCCI president Sourav Ganguly also confirmed that India will be touring Australia later in the year. Hence, the prospects for the tour looks great and it is going to be an enthralling series between the top two teams.

India had savoured success on their previous tour and they would look to replicate the same. However, they are going to have a run for their money as Australia is a better side than they were in 2018-19.