New Zealand to host Australia, England in T20-tri series; separate ODI series

New Zealand will host England and Australia in a separate ODI series early next year besides a T20-tri-series, according to a stuff.co.nz report. While talks were underway between New Zealand Cricket and Cricket Australia for a potential series to make up the vacant World Cup slot in February, the England series and the T20 tri-series come as a bonus after the Women’s World Cup was pushed back by a year due to COVID-19.



The Sophie Devine-led side will depart for Australia on September 9 to face the T20 World Champions at their home for a limited-overs series starting September 27.  “We’re getting close now. We’re working with member countries, government agencies and venues and MAs (major associations), so we’re getting very close (to confirming the schedule). It’s all looking positive,” NZC chief executive David White was quoted as saying to stuff.co.nz on Monday (August 24).



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With New Zealand’s current alert levels not allowing gatherings of over 100, White said that the NZC is preparing all possible ways to deal with the crowds. He also added that the facilities are being prepared for the cricketers where they could train whilst undergoing the two-week lockdown on arrival.



“We’re working through that with the Government, within their regulations, but teams will have the ability to train as well,” he said.



New Zealand will play three ODIs and three T20Is in Sydney and Queensland from September 27 until October 10, while stars like Devine, Suzie Bates and Amelia Kerr staying back for Women’s Big Bash League action from October 17 until November 29. They will then return to prepare for domestic cricket.



New Zealand’s T20 Super Smash would start on December 24 and run until mid-February. “That’s really positive for the White Ferns who’ve got a good program,” White said.