Australia’s two-Test tour of Bangladesh has been postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The two sides had been set to play in Chattogram and Dhaka in June as part of the World Test Championship (WTC). Bangladesh are currently bottom of the WTC table, having failed to avoid defeat in their three matches played, while Australia sit second with seven wins and a draw from their 10 matches. 

Both the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and Cricket Australia (CA) will now work together to reschedule the series at a later date.

“This is understandably disappointing for players and fans of both sides,” said BCB chief executive Nizam Uddin Chowdhury. “However, in the current global scenario of the COVID-19 outbreak and considering the nature of the health emergency, the BCB and CA are in agreement that this is the most sensible and practical decision.

“We hope that the situation will improve soon and we are able to hold this series at a convenient time in the near future. To that end, the BCB will continue to work closely with CA with whom we share a history of support and cooperation.”

“Postponing the tour is regrettable, but I would like to thank the Bangladesh Cricket Board for the open, honest and responsible discussions that led us to this mutually-agreed position,” said CA CEO Kevin Roberts.

“The health of our people and communities is the number one priority for both boards and that is reflected in the action we have taken in postponing the two Test matches. As we know, the global cricket calendar is very busy but we will do everything we can to honour our commitment to Bangladesh and will continue to work with the BCB on an agreed date.”