Corona Virus Outbreak: ODI Series Between Australia vs New Zealand Suspended Due to COVID-19

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COVID-19 has not only affected people with its dangerous effects but also affected the cricket series across the globe. The ongoing series between Australia and New Zealand got cancelled after the New Zealand government tightened its restrictions amidst of the novel global pandemic – coronavirus.

While New Zealand have made sure a mandatory 14-day self-isolation period for everyone who is entering the country from midnight tomorrow, New Zealand players have been trying to fly home on Saturday evening as their remaining two Chappell-Hadlee matches which earlier were scheduled to be played on Sunday in Sydney and Hobart on Friday, have been called off.

Along with this, the three-match T20I series between Australia and the Kiwis in New Zealand starting March 24 in Dunedin has also been cancelled for the time being. However, both the cricket boards – Cricket Australia and New Zealand Cricket have wished that the two series can take place later.

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The news of series cancellation came less than 24 hours after they played the first game of the series behind closed doors at the SCG on Friday due to the coronavirus outbreak where Australia won by 71 runs. Moreover, Australia’s Under-19 Indigenous team’s tour to New Zealand later this month has postponed where they were about to play T20I games.

While Australia speedster Kane Richardson missed the first game after he was suspected for the coronavirus but his results came back negative later and rejoined the squad on Friday, New Zealand’s fast bowler, Lockie Ferguson was in isolation after reporting a sore throat. Although the results of his test for COVID-19 did not come yet, he bowled nine overs and took 2wickets for 60 runs in the first ODI as well.

The impact of this virus on the cricket world has been increasing day by day where England and South Africa have called off their tours of Sri Lanka and India respectively. Even, the upcoming Indian Premier League has been pushed back and will begin from April 15 while the ongoing Pakistan Super League will finish four days before too.