Bangladesh-Australia Test series postponed amid coronavirus outbreak

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and Cricket Australia (CA) have mutually decided to postpone a Test series due to the global outbreak of coronavirus.

Australia were scheduled to visit Bangladesh in June for a two-Test series as part of the ICC Test Championship.

The two boards will later decide on a new date for the series, the BCB said in a statement on Tuesday.

Earlier, Australian captain Tim Paine had played down the chances of the tour going ahead amid the growing threat of the pandemic.

Addressing the matter, BCB CEO Nizam Uddin Chowdhury said, “This is understandably disappointing for the players and supporters of the two teams. But considering the present situation of COVID-19 outbreak and the nature of the health emergency, BCB and CA agreed that this is the most sensible and practical decision.”

“We hope that the situation will improve soon and we are able to hold this series at a convenient time in the near future,” he added.

Australia's busy schedule, however, has cast doubt on the future of this series but CA CEO Kevin Roberts nevertheless remained optimistic.

"Postponing the tour is regrettable, but I would like to thank the Bangladesh Cricket Board for the open, honest and responsible discussions that led us to this mutually-agreed position. The health of our people and communities is the number one priority for both Boards and that is reflected in the action we have taken in postponing the two Test matches,” he said in a statement.

“As we know, the global cricket calendar is very busy but we will do everything we can to honour our commitment to Bangladesh and will continue to work with the BCB on an agreed date."

This marked the Tigers’ third series postponement due to the ongoing coronavirus crisis following the suspension of their tour of Pakistan for an ODI and a Test match in April and a trip to the UK for ODIs and T20Is against Ireland.