Australia set to leave for first tour in COVID-19 era against England

Australia cricket team will leave for their England tour on Sunday. This will be their first tour after the COVID-19 pandemic broke out earlier this year. The Aussie squad will play six limited-over match under strict bio-secure protocols.

The teams will play three one-day internationals and three T20Is between September 4 to 16.

The tour will begin with T20 international in Southampton. Remaining two T20Is (September 6 & 8) will also be played in Southampton. The ODIs will be played in Manchester (September 11, 13 and 16).

Cricket Australia gets special nod for England tour

Cricket Australia got the nod for the overseas tour at a time when the nation’s government has been strict about flying in and out of the country. Australian borders are largely closed and overseas trips can only be made in extraordinary circumstances.

The tour got the go-ahead given the good relationships between the two nations.

Cricket Australia has already prepared its bio-secure protocol. It is said to be stricter than those during England-West India and –Pakistan series.

21-man Australia squad to travel on Sunday

Australia earlier named 21-man squad led by captain Aaron Finch. The squad namely includes Finch, Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins (vice captain), Josh Hazlewood, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Riley Meredith, Josh Philippe, Daniel Sams, Kane Richardson, Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Andrew Tye, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa.

Meanwhile England is yet to name its squad for the home series.

As per bio-secure bubble, the team can train while in quarantine and will stay at their south-coast hotel in Southampton upon arrival in England. Players have been instructed to make their own bed to avoid interaction will hotel staff. Any protocol breach will be dealt with a strong hand.

Also Read: MS told me in advance that Kamran Akmal would be bowled, says RP Singh