Australia’s Test tour to Bangladesh indefinitely postponed

Australia’s two-match Test series against Bangladesh which was scheduled for June has been indefinitely postponed due to the outbreak of the pandemic coronavirus.

All the sporting events have been postponed or cancelled due to the medical emergency in the world.

Cricket Australia and Bangladesh Cricket Board have unanimously decided to postpone the Test series due to the health crisis. The two boards will later find a suitable window to organise the series, which is part of the ongoing ICC Test Championship.

“This is understandably disappointing for players and fans of both sides. However, in the current global scenario of the COVID-19 outbreak and considering the nature of the health emergency, the BCB and CA are in agreement that this is the most sensible and practical decision,” BCB CEO Nizam Uddin Chowdhury said.

“We hope that the situation will improve soon and we are able to hold this series at a convenient time in the near future. To that end, the BCB will continue to work closely with CA with whom we share a history of support and cooperation.”

The first Test match was to be played in Chittagong from June 11 whereas the second was scheduled to be played at the country’s capital in Dhaka from June 19. There was also a warm-up four-day match before the series opener.
In fact, this series was slated to be played in February but it was decided by both the cricket boards in September 2019 to push it to June.

Before the series against Australia, Bangladesh were expected to tour Ireland for three ODIs and four T20Is. The T20Is were to take place in England but that tour has already been postponed.

Cricket Australia CEO Kevin Roberts said, “Postponing the tour is regrettable, but I would like to thank the Bangladesh Cricket Board for the open, honest and responsible discussions that led us to this mutually-agreed position. The health of our people and communities is the number one priority for both Boards and that is reflected in the action we have taken in postponing the two Test matches. As we know, the global cricket calendar is very busy but we will do everything we can to honour our commitment to Bangladesh and will continue to work with the BCB on an agreed date.”

Australia had last toured Bangladesh in August-September 2017 for a two-match Test series. Interestingly, the Tigers were able to surprise the visitors in the first Test match as they won by 20 runs. However, the tourists bounced back to win the second by seven wickets. Thus, Bangladesh had given a run for the money to the Australian team, which was led by former skipper Steven Smith.

On the other hand, Australia last played their International match against New Zealand in an empty stadium at the Sydney Cricket Ground. The hosts had won that game by 71 runs but the remaining two matches were called off due to the threat of Covid-19.

Written by: Gautam Chauhan