Three-match series in March called off after New Zealand government confirmed there was no MIQ availability for the Australian team

Australia’s three-match T20I tour of New Zealand in March has been abandoned after there were no managed isolation quarantine spots available for the Australian team.

New Zealand Cricket and Cricket Australia have agreed to abandon the series scheduled to be played over four days in Napier in mid-March.

NZC has decided to move New Zealand’s T20I with the Netherlands on March 25 to Napier’s McLean Park, after it was previously scheduled to be played at Bay Oval in Tauranga.

NZC chief executive David White said the abandonment of Australia’s tour was inevitable given the restrictions at the border.

“At the time we scheduled the visit there was a lot of hope that the trans-Tasman border would be open for those who met the right criteria,” White said.

“However, the advent of Omicron has, unfortunately, changed everything at the border, and has made it impossible for us to continue with the series.

“It’s disappointing – but we know it’s the same for businesses and individuals and other sports, and we’re grateful for the international schedule we have.”

The remainder of New Zealand’s home summer remains unaffected with the New Zealand’s women’s series with India starting on Wednesday while men’s series against South Africa and the Netherlands are still going ahead as scheduled, as is the women’s 50-over World Cup.