Australia’s men’s T20 match against New Zealand in Auckland has shifted on coronavirus fears, with Wellington hosting their next two matches behind closed doors.
The main point:
- The New Zealand government announced that Auckland would enter a seven-day lockdown starting Sunday
- Australia is scheduled to play New Zealand in Auckland’s Eden Park next Friday
- Wellington will host the next two matches in the T20 series
New Zealand Cricket (NZC) rushed to change a five-game draw on Saturday, as the country raised its COVID-19 alert level.
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced Auckland will be locked for seven days from Sunday morning.
Ms Ardern on Saturday night raised Auckland’s alert level to three – which is stopping all sport – and the entire country to level two after the remaining COVID-19 cases in Auckland.
The NZC said the change in alert status meant Australia’s next clash against the Black Caps in Wellington on March 3 would resume as scheduled but without spectators.
And the match scheduled for March 5 in Auckland has been switched to Wellington, once again without crowds.
New Zealand leads series 2-0. The fifth and final match on March 7 will remain in Tauranga as scheduled, with the NZC awaiting further government advice on the crowd at that match.
The move came as Cricket Australia expressed concern over the players and their support staff traveling to Auckland.
There have been no cases of coronavirus in Wellington or Tauranga for months.
Australian netballers will play four Constellation Cup series matches against New Zealand next week.
But because the Diamonds matches are scheduled in Christchurch and Tauranga, they can avoid Auckland until their flight back to Australia.
AAP