New Zealand Cricket 2022 New Schedule: The New Zealand Blackcaps will play both of their February Tests against South Africa in Christchurch, while a one-day international (ODI) series against Australia in March will be contested exclusively in Napier, New Zealand Cricket announced on Thursday.
New Zealand Cricket 2022- New Schedule: New Zealand home international cricket schedule shuffled over COVID-19 concerns
The changes have been prompted by ongoing concerns about the spread of COVID-19, with the reduction in travel hopefully reducing the chances of an outbreak that would put matches at risk.
New Zealand Cricket 2022 New Schedule: Wellington is the big loser in the reshuffle. It had been scheduled to host the second New Zealand vs South Africa Test and the first two New Zealand vs Australia ODIs.
In another schedule change, the NZ women’s White Ferns’ series against India (one Twenty20 and five ODIs) will be played solely in Queenstown.
New Zealand Cricket 2022- New Schedule: New Zealand home international cricket schedule shuffled over COVID-19 concerns
“These risk mitigations are based on avoiding known COVID-19 hotspots, and include limiting air travel, limiting accommodation transfers and, essentially, operating in safer environments,” said NZ Cricket chief executive David White.
NZC has moved to streamline its home international schedules in order to mitigate the risk of an Omicron outbreak.
As a result, the 2nd Test between the BLACKCAPS and South Africa, scheduled for the Cello Basin Reserve from Feb 25 to Mar 1, will now be held at Hagley Oval. pic.twitter.com/YFBW5IwZh0
— Cello Basin Reserve (@BasinReserve) January 26, 2022
“We know the more domestic flights we have, and the more movement there is between hotels, the greater the chance of a match or even a series being put at risk.”
New Zealand Cricket 2022 New Schedule: White acknowledged the disappointment Wellington cricket fans would no doubt experience, but said the most important thing was to maximise the chances of the matches being played.
“It’s a very difficult time for everyone,” he said.
New Zealand Cricket 2022- New Schedule: New Zealand home international cricket schedule shuffled over COVID-19 concerns
New Zealand Cricket 2022 New Schedule: REVISED HOME SUMMER SCHEDULE:
MEN:
New Zealand vs South Africa: Two Tests in Christchurch (Feb. 17-March 1)
New Zealand vs Australia: Three ODIs in Napier (March 17-20)
New Zealand vs Netherlands: One Twenty20 and three ODIs in Mount Maunganui and Hamilton (March 25-April 4)
NZ women’s White Ferns
New Zealand vs India: One Twenty20 and five ODIs in Queenstown (Feb. 9-24)
New Zealand Cricket 2022- New Schedule: New Zealand home international cricket schedule shuffled over COVID-19 concerns
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