Australia to host NZ, India women before 2021 WC

By AFP
May 29, 2020

SYDNEY: The Australian women's team, which won the T20 World Cup, is set to be back in action later this year as Cricket Australia have announced the women's fixtures as well, alongside the men's summer schedule.

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Ever since capturing the title on March 8 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Australia haven't been in action with the global Covid-19 pandemic also posing serious questions regarding the resumption of Women's cricket anytime soon.

However, Cricket Australia on Thursday (May 28) announced that the women's outfit will take on New Zealand in a three-match T20I series by the end of September which will then be followed by three ODIs against the same opposition. The ODIs will be of significant importance to both the sides ahead of the scheduled 50-over World Cup in February 2021 in New Zealand. Both Australia and New Zealand have already qualified for the tournament. While the three T20Is will be played in North Sydney, the ODI matches are scheduled to be held in Townsville, Cairns and Gold Coast.

“Another (apart from the Border-Gavaskar series) highlight this summer will be the return to action of the Australian women's team,” Cricket Australia CEO Kevin Roberts said. “Their last match, of course, was the history-making, record-breaking T20 World Cup final at the MCG. We're confident more Australians than ever will be keenly following our elite female cricketers this summer.”

Apart from the series against New Zealand, Australia will also be hosting India in a three-match high-profile ODI series in January 2021 just days before the World Cup. India, who have also qualified for the mega event, lost to Australia earlier this year in the T20 World Cup final. The series, which kicks off from January 22, will be played in Canberra, St Kilda and Hobart. Australia will kick off their World Cup campaign against defending champions England on February 7.

Australia women's home fixtures for 2020-21

Vs New Zealand: 1st T20I: September 27 at North Sydney Oval, North Sydney.

2nd T20I: September 29 at North Sydney Oval, North Sydney.

3rd T20I: October 1 at North Sydney Oval, North Sydney.

1st ODI: October 5 at Riverway Stadium, Townsville.

2nd ODI: October 7 at Cazaly's Stadium, Cairns

3rd ODI: October 10 at Metricon Stadium, Gold Coast

vs India: 1st ODI: January 22 at Manuka Oval, Canberra.

2nd ODI: January 25 at Junction Oval, St Kilda. 3rd ODI: January 28 at Blundstone Arena, Hobart.

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