Australia v NZ ODI series cut short by coronavirus measures

Australia’s cricket summer has come to an abrupt end after the New Zealand Government’s tough coronavirus measures led to the cancellation of the rest of their ODI series against the Kiwis.

The remaining two matches of the Australia v NZ ODI series have been called off. Picture: AFP

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The remaining two one-day games between Australia and New Zealand have been cancelled as well as the T20 series later this month as a result of the Conoravirus pandemic.

Officials for the tourists were informed on Saturday afternoon that the New Zealand Government tightened its border restrictions and included Australia on the list of countries from which those entering their county would be subjected to a mandatory 14-day self-isolation period.

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Alex Carey of Australia taps fists with Trent Boult of New Zealand at the finish of Friday night’s ODI clash at the SCG. Picture: Getty Images

The new border restriction comes in to effect on Sunday at 10pm Sydney time, forcing the Black Caps to rush home before the restriction was in place.

The bulk of the squad will fly out of Sydney on Saturday night, meaning the remaining two matches in the series, scheduled for Sydney on Sunday and Hobart on Friday, won’t be played.

It also means the three-match T20I series scheduled for New Zealand can’t proceed as the mandatory self-isolation period would also apply to the Australian squad as soon as it crossed the border into New Zealand.

Friday’s match was played without spectators. Picture: AFP

The hope is the matches can be played in their entirety at a later and more appropriate date.

New Zealand officials were still awaiting test results after fast bowler Lockie Ferguson was put in isolation after reporting to medical staff with a sore throat following Friday’s game at the SCG, which was played without spectators.

NZC understands and supports the government’s position. This is a time of unprecedented risk and peril, and the personal health and well-being of our players is paramount.