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SYDNEY. — Australia’s October Twenty20 cricket series against the West Indies was called off yesterday, as the Covid-19 pandemic continues to affect the international sporting calendar.

It follows the postponement of the T20 World Cup, scheduled for October-November in Australia, and this month’s one-day international series against Zimbabwe.

Cricket Australia (CA) said the three-match West Indies series had been intended as a warm-up to the T20 World Cup, but could no longer serve that purpose.

“In light of this development . . . it has been agreed to postpone the matches,” CA said in a statement.

The series will be take place ahead of the rescheduled T20 World Cup, on dates yet to be decided in either 2021 or 2022.

Australia is currently struggling with a second wave of coronavirus infections and its international borders remain closed, with arrivals required to undergo 14-day quarantine.

Despite the logistical difficulties, CA insists a money-spinning four-Test series against India in December-January will proceed.

The governing body has been less vocal about the fate of the first-ever Test match between Australia and Afghanistan, which is due to be held in Perth in late November. — AFP.