Australia hoping to slot Test series in South Africa into 2023 schedule

Australia are hoping to reschedule the three-test series of South Africa after pulling out of the tour earlier this year.

Cricket Australia boss Nick Hockley said on Thursday that they were hopeful of fulfilling their FTP agreement in 2023 having cancelled the 2021 trip over health concerns.

Australia hoping to slot Test series in South Africa into 2023

The cancellation left Cricket South Africa fuming with their counterparts downunder but Hockley is confident that bridges have been mended.

“We’ve been working over recent months to look to reschedule, and we think we’ve found a window in the calendar in 2023 to reschedule that tour,” Hockley told a media conference after CA’s annual general meeting.

“Our relationships with South Africa are very strong.

“As we said at the time, we were very disappointed and I know our players were extremely disappointed not to be able to go to South Africa.”

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA – NOVEMBER 30: David Warner of Australia celebrates his triple century during day two of the 2nd Domain Test between Australia and Pakistan at the Adelaide Oval on November 30, 2019 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

Australia will host South Africa in the 2022/23 season playing a three-match series in their home summer, before making a trip to India for limited overs cricket.

Hockley did not indicate exactly where in the calendar the series away to South Africa would be slotted.

Australia have not played a single test overseas since the COVID-19 pandemic and have postponed multiple tours, citing health risks and player welfare, despite some players’ willingness to play in the lucrative Indian Premier League.