Cricket Australia has officially postponed the historic first Test against Afghanistan that was due to have been played in Hobart this month.
If follows CA’s announcement in September that the match would not go ahead unless the Taliban softens its stance on women playing the game.
“CA is committed to support growing the game for women and men in Afghanistan and around the world, however, given the present uncertainty, CA felt it necessary to postpone the Test match until a later time when the situation is clearer,” the governing body said in a statement.
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“CA looks forward to hosting Afghanistan players in the BBL this season, who are great ambassadors for the game, and to hosting both the Afghanistan women’s and men’s team in the not too distant future.”
In place of the Test match, CA has scheduled an internal three-day match in Brisbane involving an extended Australian squad. That will be played from December 1-3, with the Ashes to commence on December 8 at the Gabba.
England’s warm-up matches have also been confirmed, with a three-day match from November 23-25 between the tourists and the England Lions, followed by a four-day match between the two squads from November 30-December 3.
Australia A will play the England Lions in a four day match at Ian Healy Oval from December 9, running alongside the first Test.
A number of changes to the Sheffield Shield and Marsh Cup schedules have also been announced.
“The eve of an Ashes summer is an exciting time for every cricket fan, and it’s fantastic to confirm a schedule that provides both teams with some excellent preparation in the lead up to the first ball at the Gabba,” said CA’s Peter Roach.
“Just as importantly, we’re pleased to continue the Sheffield Shield and One-Day Cup competitions to ensure players are getting the opportunity to put their hand up for selection in Australia’s red and white-ball teams.
“It’s brilliant to see so much elite cricket being played, particularly at the redeveloped Ian Healy Oval, and there is no doubt both the English and Australian teams are going to be well prepared leading into the first Ashes Test.”
Sheffield Shield:
November 19-22: New South Wales vs Victoria – SCG
November 21-24: Tasmania vs Western Australia – Blundstone Arena
November 23-26: South Australia vs Queensland – Adelaide Oval or Karen Rolton Oval
One-Day Cup:
November 24: New South Wales vs Victoria – SCG
November 26: Tasmania vs Western Australia – Blundstone Arena (Day-night)
November 28: South Australia vs Queensland – Adelaide Oval
Tour Matches:
November 23-25: England vs England Lions – Redlands, Brisbane
November 30 – December 3: England vs England Lions – Ian Healy Oval, Brisbane
December 9-12: Australia A vs England Lions – Ian Healy Oval, Brisbane
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