Australia cancels South Africa tour
Posted: Tue Feb 02, 2021 11:02 pm
Because COVID.
This guarantees that New Zealand qualify for the test championship final, and leaves Australia reliant on the result of the India-England series, rather than with the opportunity to move ahead of New Zealand by thumping South Africa.
Australia, England or India could still qualify depending on the series results, but India only needs a 2-1 win or better, so are clearly in the box seat. England need a 3-0 win or better (not gonna happen), while a draw or narrow England win will hand it to Australia.
Australia are only behind New Zealand because they were docked points for a slow over rate in the Melbourne test. Good. Serves them right.
This guarantees that New Zealand qualify for the test championship final, and leaves Australia reliant on the result of the India-England series, rather than with the opportunity to move ahead of New Zealand by thumping South Africa.
Australia, England or India could still qualify depending on the series results, but India only needs a 2-1 win or better, so are clearly in the box seat. England need a 3-0 win or better (not gonna happen), while a draw or narrow England win will hand it to Australia.
Australia are only behind New Zealand because they were docked points for a slow over rate in the Melbourne test. Good. Serves them right.