'Concern for health': Aussie cricket hit by fresh virus drama

Cricket Australia has indefinitely postponed its men's home ODI series against Zimbabwe because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The three one-dayers were scheduled to be held in August in northern Australia.

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However, the requirement of quarantine periods and costly biosecurity measures meant the week-long series was always considered unlikely to go ahead.

National coach Justin Langer indicated earlier this month he hoped Australia could make their coronavirus comeback in September, when they intend to visit England for a limited-overs series.

However, that tour to the United Kingdom is still yet to be locked in as CA officials watch West Indies and Pakistan's preceding trips to England with interest.

CA noted in a statement that a combination of factors, including “concern for the health and safety of players, match officials, and volunteers”, led to a mutual decision to postpone the Australia-Zimbabwe games.

“We are committed to working with Zimbabwe Cricket on alternative dates to reschedule”, CA chief executive Nick Hockley said.

“While we are disappointed to postpone the series, CA and ZC 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.”

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Zimbabwe Cricket's acting managing director Givemore Makoni suggested "deferring the tour was the only option".

“We are, however, looking forward to the rescheduling of the series as soon as practically possible,” Makoni said.

Australia's Test tour of Bangladesh in June was also scrapped because of the health crisis.

CA remains committed to hosting India this summer and staging a lucrative four-Test series, but uncertainty continues to cloud the Twenty20 World Cup that is slated to start in October in Australia.