Ending speculations around the fate of Australia's limited-overs tour to England in September amid the COVID-19 pandemic, cricket boards of both the countries on Friday (August 14) confirmed that the scheduled three ODIs and three T20Is will go ahead.
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The T20Is will be played at Southampton's Ageas Bowl on September 4th, 6th and 8th, while the Old Trafford ground in Manchester will host the three ODIs on September 11th, 13th and 16th, respectively. The ODIs are part of the ICC ODI Super League, which enables direct qualification for the 2023 World Cup in India.
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As has been the norm for the summer in UK, all matches will be played behind closed doors.
Australian players and support staff will arrive on August 24 and travel to Derbyshire's The Incora County Ground before shifting to the Ageas Bowl on August 27, after the end of the third Test of the ongoing series between England and Pakistan.
As part of the build-up for what will be their first series after the lengthy hiatus, the Australians will play a 50-over intra-squad practice game and three T20 warm-up matches.
"We owe a significant debt of gratitude to the players, staff and administrators of Cricket Australia for their efforts in getting this tour underway," said England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) CEO Tom Harrison.
"Their co-operation to ensure these matches are staged is crucial to cricket in this country. It will also provide much-needed financial aid at all levels of cricket in England and Wales as we work through the challenges in front of us."
"The rivalry between England and Australia is the pinnacle of sporting competition. The T20I series and ODI Series will be thrilling contests and a perfect way to culminate the men's international season in this extraordinary summer."
Australia's head coach Justin Langer also expressed his happiness at the development.
"It's vital for cricket that we do everything we can to keep the game going in these tough times," he said.
"I am delighted with how the players have returned to their states from the break back in March. The whole squad has come back fitter and stronger, which is great testament to each of them."
"We have a massive assignment ahead with World Cups, Test series against India and South Africa and the Ashes next year. We can't wait to get back into it again," Langer added.
(With IANS inputs)
