The two remaining games of the Chappell-Hadlee ODI series between Australia and New Zealand were on Saturday cancelled as the visiting side will have to hurry back home to avoid a new set of travel restrictions owing to the novel coronavirus pandemic.
“In response to the New Zealand government’s latest travel restrictions, Cricket Australia has been advised the New Zealand team will be returning home immediately,” Cricket Australia said in a statement.
“Cricket Australia and New Zealand Cricket will work together to identify a future opportunity to play both series,” it added.
It has been learnt that on Saturday, the New Zealand government tightened border restrictions and stating that all those entering the country from Australia would be subjected to a mandatory 14-day self-isolation period. This new restrictions, which come into from Sunday midnight, would have led to the New Zealand team being quarantined if it stayed back to complete the assignment.
The first ODI of the series had taken place without spectators at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
“NZC understands and supports the government’s position. This is a time of unprecedented risk and peril, and the personal health and well-being of our players is paramount,” a statement from NZC said.
The Chappell-Hadlee series was the last international series still being played following the abandonment of England’s tour of Sri Lanka and South Africa’s one-day series in India on Saturday.
Ferguson returns negative
New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson on Saturday tested negative for COVID-19 and will be returning home following the postponement of the ODI series.
“Homeward bound. Lockie Ferguson has also been cleared to fly and will return to New Zealand tomorrow. #AUSvNZ,” the BlackCaps tweeted on Saturday.
The 28-year-old pacer was placed in isolation immediately after Friday’s first ODI against Australia following complains of a sore throat. He underwent tests on Saturday which returned negative, clearing the pacer.