Australia tour of South Africa 2021: CA Chairman speaks against compromising players’ safety

Australia tour of South Africa 2021: Australia are scheduled to play a three-match Test series in South Africa early next year.

With the cancellation of South Africa’s three-match ODI series against England due to COVID-19-related reasons, doubts have started to develop around the future of their grand summer, as expected.

South Africa, who recently confirmed a tour of Pakistan between January 26 – February 14 next year, will have to change the dates of their three-match Test series against Australia (February 14 – March 13). Originally scheduled to host Australia at home, what remains to be seen is whether the venue remains the same or not.

It was just over a fortnight ago when there were reports of the Test series between South Africa and Australia having it in it to be shifted to Perth. With Sri Lanka’s two-match Test series in South Africa starting from the Boxing Day Test in Centurion, the successful execution of the same will obviously make things easier for CSA (Cricket South Africa).

Australia tour of South Africa 2021

In a recent interview with ESPNcricinfo, Cricket Australia Chairman Earl Eddings opened up on monitoring the situation closely laying emphasis on no compromise with the players’ safety.

“We’re watching very closely and we want to be playing South Africa in South Africa,” Eddings was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo. “First because we want to play them and secondly because it’s great for the growth of the game. But the safety and welfare of our players and staff is paramount, and we’ll work out what the scenarios are.

“South African cricket is also in a bit of flux at the moment, so trying to work out who the best people are to be talking to. While we want to play there as much as we can, I’m not going to be compromising the safety of our players and staff. Our intention is to tour.”