ECB confirm England Women will not host South Africa series this summer due to travel restrictions

Efforts are being made to find new opposition for Heather Knight's side.
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Will Macpherson18 August 2020

England Women’s hopes of playing international cricket in a biosecure bubble have been dealt a blow after South Africa informed the ECB that they would not be able to tour due to travel restrictions.

England were due to play a triseries against India and South Africa but neither team is able to visit. When India pulled out, a bilateral series against South Africa in Derby (where England are currently training) was pencilled in, but that is now off too.

“This decision was taken due to the current international travel regulations in place for South African national teams,” said an ECB statement.

The ECB say they are committed to hosting international women’s cricket this summer and are speaking to boards about getting their teams over.

“We are immensely disappointed that we are not yet able to confirm fixtures for England Women this summer due to India and South Africa being unable to travel,” said Clare Connor, the ECB’s Director of Women’s Cricket.

“We have been committed from the outset to deliver the same bio-secure standards for both men’s and women’s international cricket, an investment that included exclusive hotel use for teams, chartered flights and medical provisions.

“An ECB team, with support from the Incora County Ground, Derby, has created a dedicated behind closed doors environment to host all of our women’s internationals.

“Women’s and girls’ cricket is a huge part of the ECB strategy and despite the devastating impact of COVID-19, this ambition has not waned. We continue to explore all options to see England Women play competitively this summer.”