Cricket Australia (CA) are optimistic to play their postponed Test series against South Africa in 2023. Originally, Australia were due to play the three Tests in South Africa in March 2021 but pulled out citing COVID-19 concerns. The cancellation by CA at the 11th hour did not go too well with Cricket South Africa (CSA), who were hoping to make some profit and remuneration after England in late 2020 had also returned home citing COVID-19 issues.
Now with things slightly getting back to normal, Nick Hockley, CA chief executive said that there is no animosity whatever with CSA and they are working things out to plan a series in 2023.
"As we said at the time when we were very disappointed and I know our players were extremely, extremely disappointed not to be able to go to South Africa, so we're pleased that we've been able to find a window in 2023 to reschedule," Hockley said after CA's AGM on Thursday.
Apart from Australia touring South Africa, the latter was also supposed to visit Down Under for white-ball matches in 2021-22, which got postponed due to the Australian government’s strict COVID-19 norms and protocols.
Meanwhile, Australia have not played a Test match since India last visited the country for a four-match Test series in 2020-21 this year. Australia’s one-off Test against Afghanistan in November also is likely to be cancelled due to logistical issues.
The team will get back to action in whites on December 8 when the Ashes get underway. Meanwhile, South Africa are due to host India for a three-match Test series in December. After the three Tests, the teams will play three ODIs and four T20Is.