Cricket Australia is confident of hosting a safe and successful summer after announcing its 2020-21 men’s and women’s international schedule.
The anticipated arrival of superpower India to play the Australian men’s teams across all formats, as well as the return of Australia’s all-conquering women’s team, are among the highlights scheduled for this summer.
Kevin Roberts, Cricket Australia CEO, said:
“While acknowledging the difficulty in navigating a global pandemic, we are nonetheless encouraged by the progress Australia is making in combatting the coronavirus and the positive impact that is having on our ability to host an exciting summer of cricket in 2020-21.
“We know that circumstances or events beyond our control could mean that the final schedule potentially may look different to the one released today, but we’ll be doing everything we can to get as much international cricket in as possible this summer. We will communicate any changes to the schedule if or when they are required.
“We are engaged in ongoing discussions with federal and state governments, our venues and the touring nations to continually understand and monitor the situation in front of us, which is evolving every day. We’ll continue to act in accordance with public health advice and government protocols to ensure the safety of the public, players and support staff.
“We are working closely with the BCCI to deliver the eagerly anticipated men’s and women’s tours, and we are looking forward to staging the important series against both the men’s and women’s New Zealand sides. These are in addition to the scheduled men’s Test against Afghanistan and a T20 series against West Indies.
Final details of the Australia – Zimbabwe ODI series scheduled in August will be confirmed in the coming weeks after consultation with relevant stakeholders.
“The Australian men’s team recently claimed the No. 1 Test ranking after India had held top spot for almost four years. The Border-Gavaskar series is one of international sport’s great rivalries and this will no doubt be another enthralling chapter.
“Another highlight this summer will be the return to action of the Australian women’s team. 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.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank our Australian broadcast partners, FOX SPORTS, the Seven Network, ABC, Nine Radio and Crocmedia for working constructively with us on this schedule despite the challenges we all face during this once-in-a-century pandemic.
“I would also like to thank the many people involved in developing our biosecurity plan, which we are hopeful will allow us to host an exciting summer of cricket.”
Peter Campbell, Head of FOX SPORTS, said:
“Three T20’s, Three ODI’s, a 4 Test Series against India – Smith v Kohli, the two top ranked Test players from two of the top ranked Test Nations head to head on Australian soil. What a Main Event.
“The class act of our World Champion women’s team at home again. Who will ever forget that magical night in March – well, they’re on again. And then more men’s white ball cricket – The West Indies, they’re coming. Let’s hope the Kiwis make up for their disappointing summer last year – they’re better than that. We know scheduling is hard at this time, but it is great to have confirmed dates and who wouldn’t want to lock in their summer on Foxtel right now – our team is counting the days.”
Lewis Martin, Managing Director Seven Melbourne and Head of Network Sport said: “We look forward to working with Cricket Australia on a great season of cricket.”
Roberts added: “Cricket plays an important role in society, and we know our fans are excited at the prospect of seeing their heroes in action again this summer after what has been a challenging year for everyone. We will continue to assess whether it is possible for them to attend matches in person, however if it is not deemed possible, we already have a solid blueprint in place.
“CA made the decision in early March for our men’s team to play New Zealand in an ODI at the SCG in front of no fans due to coronavirus concerns. The experience will no doubt serve us well for planning purposes this summer.
“We will not rush any decisions however it’s crucial for us all to have a blueprint to work from to deliver cricket safely.
“Australian cricket will survive and thrive after the coronavirus pandemic dissipates, just as we have after world wars, depressions, recessions and the many other challenges that have confronted us over the past 140-plus years.”
2020-21 Men’s and Women’s International Schedule **
Gillette Men’s ODI Series against Zimbabwe
Australia v Zimbabwe at TBA (August 9)
Australia v Zimbabwe at TBA (August 12)
Australia v Zimbabwe at Riverway Stadium, Townsville (August 15)
CommBank Women’s T20I Series against New Zealand
Australia v New Zealand at North Sydney Oval, North Sydney (September 27)
Australia v New Zealand at North Sydney Oval, North Sydney (September 29)
Australia v New Zealand at North Sydney Oval, North Sydney (October 1)
CommBank Women’s ODI Series against New Zealand
Australia v New Zealand at Riverway Stadium, Townsville (October 5)
Australia v New Zealand at Cazaly’s Stadium, Cairns (October 7)
Australia v New Zealand at Metricon Stadium, Gold Coast (October 10)
Gillette Men’s T20I Series against West Indies
Australia v West Indies at Riverway Stadium, Townsville (October 4)
Australia v West Indies at Cazaly’s Stadium Cairns (October 6)
Australia v West Indies at Metricon Stadium, Gold Coast (October 9)
Gillette Men’s T20I Series against India
Australia v India at the Gabba, Brisbane (October 11)
Australia v India at Manuka Oval, Canberra (October 14)
Australia v India at Adelaide Oval, Adelaide (October 17)
Men’s Test Series against Afghanistan
Standalone Test, Australia v Afghanistan at Perth Stadium, Perth (November 21-25)
Men’s Test Series against India
Australia v India at the Gabba, Brisbane (December 3- 7)
Australia v India at Adelaide Oval, Adelaide (December 11 – 15)
Boxing Day Test, Australia v India at the MCG, Melbourne (December 26 – 30)
Pink Test, Australia v India at the SCG, Sydney (January 3 – 7)
CommBank Women’s ODI Series against India
Australia v India at Manuka Oval, Canberra (January 22)
Australia v India at Junction Oval, St Kilda (January 25)
Australia v India at Blundstone Arena, Hobart (January 28)
Gillette Men’s ODI Series against India
Australia v India at Perth Stadium, Perth (January 12)
Australia v India at the MCG, Melbourne (January 15)
Australia v India at the SCG, Sydney (January 17)
Gillette Men’s ODI & T20I Series against New Zealand
Australia v New Zealand ODI at Adelaide Oval, Adelaide (January 26)
Australia v New Zealand ODI at Manuka Oval, Canberra (January 29)
Australia v New Zealand ODI at Blundstone Arena, Hobart (January 31)
Australia v New Zealand T20 at the SCG, Sydney (February 2)
**CA reserves the right to change the 20-21 international cricket schedule
