Australia’s Test match with Afghanistan postponed

Australia’s governing body made the announcement via a media statement, after “extensive consultation” with the Afghanistan Cricket Board and relevant stakeholders. At present, no future scheduling of the match, in what would be the inaugural Test match between the teams, has been made.

In the statement, Cricket Australia pledged to assist Afghanistan in their development despite the postponement.

“CA is committed to support growing the game for women and men in Afghanistan and around the world, however, given the present uncertainty, CA felt it necessary to postpone the Test match until a later time when the situation is clearer.

“CA looks forward to hosting Afghanistan players in the BBL (Big Bash League) this season, who are great ambassadors for the game, and to hosting both the Afghanistan women’s and men’s team in the not too distant future.”

It’s the second time the Test match has been postponed, with the match moved back from November 2020 due to COVID-19 complications.

Afghanistan all-rounder Mohammad Nabi was disappointed by the postponement.

"It's disappointing the Test match isn't going ahead this year but I'm happy that the match is only postponed and not cancelled," he said.

"My representative has been assured by Cricket Australia that they remain committed to the development of cricket in Afghanistan, so I look forward to hearing how we can work together in this regard."

Australia's opening match of their men's international will be the first of five Ashes Tests against England, part of the World Test Championship, starting on December 8.