Australia’s women’s cricket schedule was reshuffled after the ICC moved the 2027 Women’s Champions Trophy to February, forcing Cricket Australia to scrap a planned three-match T20I series against Bangladesh in October.
The revised tournament window, with the inaugural Champions Trophy being staged in Sri Lanka, has had a ripple effect on Australia’s home calendar.
Bangladesh were originally scheduled to tour Australia from October 9 to October 22 for three ODIs and three T20Is in Brisbane and Sydney. While the ODI series remains intact, the T20I leg has now been dropped from the itinerary.
New Zealand, who were originally scheduled to tour Australia for three ODIs and three T20Is between February 21 and March 7, will now adjust their schedule.
The White Ferns will play three T20Is in Sydney on October 18, 20 and 22 – dates vacated by Bangladesh – before returning in the summer for a three-match ODI series in Canberra and Melbourne on March 6, 8 and 10.
The March 8 match at Melbourne’s Junction Oval will mark a historic milestone as the first day-night international to be played at the venue following the installation of floodlights.
The tournament will be held on a public holiday in Melbourne and International Women’s Day.
The ODI series will serve as the men’s 150th Test between Australia and England at the MCG from March 11 to 15.
Cricket Australia’s head of planning and cricket operations, Peter Roche, said the changes were necessary following the ICC’s revised match dates.
“Following the recent announcement by the ICC regarding the change in Champions Trophy dates, we have prepared a revised schedule that will deliver better results for teams and fans,” Roche said.
“We are delighted that women’s cricket will feature prominently in the lead-up to the 150th anniversary of the Test with the historic first international under lights at the Junction Oval.
“We thank Bangladesh and New Zealand for their cooperation and understanding – especially New Zealand for agreeing to travel to Australia twice.”
With the Women’s Big Bash League now running from late October to early December and the Women’s Premier League in India occupying much of January and February, Australia’s women’s team continues to pack its own internationals into either end of the southern hemisphere summer.