Coronavirus pandemic: New Zealand's ongoing tour of Australia postponed due to travel restrictions by government

Melbourne: Australia and New Zealand’s limited-overs tours have been postponed in the wake of new travel restrictions announced by the New Zealand government on Saturday aimed at containing the spread of the coronavirus. New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Saturday that everyone entering the country from midnight Sunday must self-isolate for 14 days in an effort to contain the outbreak. The new restrictions meant New Zealand’s cricket team would head home from their current tour of Australia, the sport’s national federation said.

The bulk of the squad will travel home this evening from Sydney #AUSvNZ https://t.co/NswVHXqP0A

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) March 14, 2020

“This development also means the three-match T20I series scheduled for New Zealand cannot proceed as the mandatory self-isolation period would also apply to the Australian squad as soon as it crossed the border into New Zealand,” New Zealand Cricket (NZC) said in a statement. “NZC believes both these series can be replayed in their entirety at a later and more appropriate date.” It was unclear whether New Zealand bowler Lockie Ferguson would travel home with the team, having been quarantined for a coronavirus test after complaining of a sore throat following the one-day international against Australia on Friday. NZC said earlier on Saturday that Ferguson had been placed in isolation at the team hotel for 24 hours in accordance with recommended health protocols. “Once the test results are received and diagnosed, his return to the team can be determined,” NZC said in a statement. Australia beat New Zealand by 71 runs in the first ODI in front of 48,000 empty seats at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on Friday as precautions to prevent the spread of the coronavirus hit home Down Under. Australia paceman Kane Richardson was also quarantined after reporting a sore throat on Thursday but was cleared of the virus and able to rejoin teammates at the SCG on Friday.  ** _Follow LIVE updates on coronavirus pandemic here_  **