Cancelled one-dayer has been rescheduled, following full release of schedule

The state’s only international fixture last season was pulled just a week out due to the coronavirus crisis, but in good news for sports fans, teams will be returning to Blundstone Arena.

HOBART’S cancelled ODI between Australia and New Zealand has been rescheduled for next summer following the full release of the international 2020-21 schedule.

The state’s only international fixture last season, set for Friday, March 20, was pulled just a week out due to the coronavirus crisis.

The two teams will return to Blundstone Arena for the third of their four ODI match series on January 31 next year – three days after women’s Twenty20 World Cup champions Australia host beaten finalists India on January 28 in what will be the third and final clash of their blockbuster 50-over series.

Cricket Australia Chief Executive Officer Kevin Roberts is confident matches will be safe over summer. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

Cricket Australia chief executive Kevin Roberts is confident the sport can host a safe summer, which is headlined by Tim Paine leading the country into battle in a four Test series against India, as well as a one-off Test against Afghanistan in Perth.

Tasmania has not hosted a Test match since South Africa handed Australia an innings defeat in November 2016.

“While acknowledging the difficulty in navigating a global pandemic, we are nonetheless encouraged by the progress Australia is making in combating the coronavirus and the positive impact that is having on our ability to host an exciting summer of cricket in 2020-21,” Roberts said.

MORE NEWS:

• Big change to this year’s Sydney to Hobart
• Iconic hisotircal sites ready to reopen
• Roos remain at home base for now

“We know that circumstances or events beyond our control could mean that the final schedule potentially may look different to the one released today, but we’ll be doing everything we can to get as much international cricket in as possible this summer.

“We will communicate any changes to the schedule if or when they are required.”

Roberts is hopeful restrictions from the global pandemic will have eased to allow crowds to the matches.

“Cricket plays an important role in society, and we know our fans are excited at the prospect of seeing their heroes in action again this summer after what has been a challenging year for everyone.