Another day, another dull news regarding the sport we so love. Just when you thought the other important series following the West Indies against England contest would’ve lit up our faces with excitement, in comes news that dampens our spirits.
Zimbabwe tour of Australia for three One Day International games in August has postponed owing to the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. The three-match series was scheduled for August 9-15. However, the board said that they will re-schedule the series.
Global pandemic novel coronavirus has brought the entire word into a standstill which not only affected several people but also postponed all the sporting events around the globe. However, the situation is slowly getting better in some places and England will host their first series in the country after the COVID-19 lockdown.
They will host West Indies in the next month whereas the Pakistan team have already reached England for their upcoming series. For Australia, a limited-overs series against England in September could be their return to action as the discussions are ongoing.
“While we are disappointed to postpone the series, (Cricket Australia) and (Zimbabwe Cricket) agree that in the best interest of players, match officials, volunteers as well as our fans, that this is the most practical and sensible decision,” told Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley. “We are committed to working with Zimbabwe Cricket on alternative dates to reschedule.”
Zimbabwe Cricket, on the other hand, said that there had no other option but to agree amid the critical situation.
“We were excited about facing Australia but, given the circumstances, deferring the tour was the only possible option,” said Givemore Makoni, Zimbabwe Cricket’s acting managing director. “We are, however, looking forward to the rescheduling of the series as soon as practically possible.”
Anyone expecting good battles between the likes of Sikandar Raza and Aaron Finch, or Mitchell Starc and Brendan Taylor has no alternative other than waiting.
We are back to the familiar state of pondering: when might cricket resume for a giant force and one working at redeeming itself in the sport?
But for now, some recollection of the past.
Zimbabwe last toured to Australia way back in 2003-04 where they played two Tests and ODI tri-series involving India. It was in 2014 when they last met in a 50-over format. There Zimbabwe successfully beat mighty Australia who had managed to score 209 for 9 while batting first in Harare. Zimbabwe chased down the total with three wickets and two overs in hand.
On the other hand, Australia last toured Zimbabwe for a T20 tri-series two years ago where Australia captain Aaron Finch smashed 172 – a world record score in the shortest format.
