Australia’s three-match Test series against the Proteas got indefinitely postponed on Tuesday. The Australian board stated that travelling to South Africa would pose a high risk to player safety, owing to the COVID-19 situation in the country.
Cricket Australia interim CEO Nick Hockley spoke to ESPNCricinfo on Wednesday, reiterating the board will not change the T20I squad flying to New Zealand.
Cricket Australia initially picked two separate squads for the Test series in South Africa and the T20I assignment in New Zealand. With the former postponed, many believed that the board will make changes to its T20I squad.
Several players, who are usually part of the white-ball set-up, didn’t make the cut for the New Zealand series, owing to their selection in the Test side. Players who are part of the T20I squad have already starting their travel protocols. As a result, the likes of Pat Cummins, Steve Smith, and Josh Hazlewood will not get a chance to face New Zealand.
New Zealand-Australia T20I series to begin on February 22
Australia will travel to New Zealand on February 7, after which the squad will quarantine in Christchurch for 14 days. The visitors will play the first T20I as soon as they come out of quarantine, with the match scheduled for February 22.
Aaron Finch’s men will then travel to Dunedin for the second T20I on February 25, before playing the third game on March 3 at Wellington. Australia will play New Zealand again on March 5, and the final match of the series will take place at Mount Maunganui on March 7.
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