Venue swap for ODI tri-series confirmed

In a further reshuffle of the international cricket schedule, the first two one-day international tri-series matches early next year have swapped venues.

Australia were set to open the tournament against England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on January 16, but will now play the match north of the border at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

The second match between Australia and India will be played in Melbourne two days later on January 18.

The change was made to allow the touring Indians time to recover following the fourth Test in Sydney after it was pushed back three days in the new Test schedule released by Cricket Australia yesterday.

England and India were set to play a warm-up match at Drummoyne Oval on January 12, but that fixture has been moved to Canberra’s Manuka Oval with England taking on an ACT XI before the traditional Prime Minister’s XI clash two days later at the same venue.

India will play a 50-over tour match with the date and venue yet to be finalised.

“In light of recent scheduling changes, we have attempted to minimise the impact on the Carlton Mid ODI Tri Series. We appreciate the patience of our fans as we continue to work through the impacts of these changes,” said Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland on the change.

“At the same time, we look forward to an exciting Carlton Mid ODI Tri Series with England and India, which will be a fitting lead-in to the ICC Cricket World Cup commencing in February.

“We thank the BCCI and ECB for their support and understanding throughout this difficult time.”

Yesterday, CA confirmed the reshuffle of the four-match Test series against India following the tragic passing of Phillip Hughes last week.

The first Test will now be played at the Adelaide Oval next Tuesday, before the series heads to Brisbane on December 17.

The time-honoured Boxing Day Test at the MCG was the only Test not to be affected by the reschedule.