Australia, NZ boards mull restart of cricket with Trans-Tasman rivalry

Melbourne, May 12 (IANS) The cricket boards of Australia and New Zealand are mulling the option of creating a constant flow of matches between the two neighbouring countries in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis which has put a lid to international tours for the time being.New Zealand Cricket chief executive David White discussed the possibility with his Cricket Australia counterpart Kevin Roberts after the two governments said they were planning to open up a passage to allow a quarantine-free travel."I've talked to Kevin Roberts about that. A Tasman bubble would be terrific if it did eventuate," White told Sydney Morning Herald."...it would present some opportunities going forward. But I think the key is to keep an open mind and be flexible so if opportunities do arise we can take them."We haven't talked specifics really. What we have talked about is conceptually the possibility of playing each other and that's where we are at the moment."There is not much cricket to look forward to for the Australian team given their international tour of England in July now hangs in the balance.The T20 World Cup scheduled to be held in October-November in Australia is also doubtful.As far as New Zealand are concerned, Pakistan and West Indies are slated to tour for Tests and Sri Lanka in the shorter form.
--IANS dm/bbh