Aussies a chance to play Poms

AUSTRALIA is still a chance to play international cricket in England this year, despite the United Kingdom’s battle with coronavirus.

The Aussies were due to play three Twenty20 matches and three one-dayers across the UK in July.

But the UK has become the epicentre of the pandemic in Europe, with more than 30,000 deaths and lockdown restrictions in place.

Australia had been listed to play its first match at Durham on July 3, with other matches scheduled for Old Trafford, Headingley, Lord’s, The Ageas Bowl in Hampshire and Bristol.

It is understood plans have been drawn up to delay the matches until August or even September to get some cricket played.

The games, which would be without fans, could be crunched together, if required, because they are only shortform matches.

There are plans to move the games to Old Trafford in Manchester or The Ageas Bowl.

Both grounds have a Hilton-branded hotel on site, which would help make them “biosecure”.

Player safety is paramount, with any games requiring the agreement of both the England and Australian teams.

The UK was set to announce 14-day travel quarantines for anyone arriving in the country, but details are yet to be finalised.

It is expected a deal may be possible for an exception for Australian players and their staff.

The UK eased exercise bans this week, allowing people to meet up at parks as long as they stay 2m apart.

That has given hope for English players to start training with a partner as they work to get back on the pitch.

England was also due to play three Test matches against the West Indies in June, and a Test and one-day series against Pakistan in August.

But no cricket will be played in the UK until July 1.

Cricket West Indies president Ricky Skerritt said on radio in Trinidad he would send a full team if games were scheduled.

The English Cricket Board said it was still working through the UK government’s latest announcements on COVID-19.

“The ECB will monitor government guidance and continue its planning accordingly,” it said.

“If and when appropriate, we will announce our return to training protocols in due course, which will incorporate the implementation of core training principles for our elite players.”

The ECB declined to comment when asked about the Australian fixtures.

Australia retained the Ashes in one of the most riveting cricket series in recent memory last year.