COVID-19 leads to postponement of Australia-India series until next summer

Australia’s 2022 World Cup preparations will be aided by the delay of a series against India next summer.

Australia will have to wait until next summer to take on India. Picture: AAP Image/Lukas Coch

The Australian women’s cricket team’s series against India that had been scheduled for January has been pushed back to next summer and will now become a crucial part of preparations for the 2022 World Cup in New Zealand.

The decision to postpone the series because of the COVID-19 pandemic means Australia’s 2021-22 season will not only include a likely expanded program against India but the already scheduled Ashes series against England.

“We are very hopeful of delivering an expanded schedule between the Australian and Indian women’s teams for next season, which would be an outstanding result for fans in both countries,” Cricket Australia interim CEO Nick Hockley told the cricket.com.au website.

“We had initially hoped to play India this summer; however, the impact of the global pandemic made it necessary to postpone until next season.

“It will be wonderful to once again host the Indian women’s team, who were centre stage for that unforgettable ICC T20 World Cup final at the MCG in March and to do so with an expanded schedule from what was originally planned.”

Enjoy a compilation of one of the best swing bowlers in the world doing what she does best! 🔥 @megan_schutt pic.twitter.com/pSace10Wv0

— Australian Women's Cricket Team 🏏 (@AusWomenCricket) December 29, 2020

The extra matches next summer will no doubt enhance Australia’s chances of regaining the one trophy they don’t currently have, the one-day World Cup.

Australia’s World Cup campaign starts on March 5, 2022 against England in Hamilton.

The World Cup had been scheduled for early 2021 in New Zealand but was also postponed due to COVID-19 ramifications.

Both Australia – who are undefeated in their past 21 one-day internationals – and England may yet tour New Zealand in February/March.

Before that, the Australian players will take part in the Women’s National Cricket League 50-over competition, which starts on January 15.