A limited number of fans will be allowed to attend the upcoming series between Australia Women and New Zealand Women in Brisbane, Cricket Australia have announced. It will mark the return of international cricket to the country after the series between the same two sides prematurely ended in March owing to the developing COVID-19 situation.
The Allan Border Field, where all the three T20Is and three ODIs (Rose Bowl Trophy) between Meg Lanning-led Australia and Sophie Devine-led New Zealand have been scheduled, will be split into six zones. Fans will not be permitted to cross over to other zones and have been recommended to maintain a distance of "a couple of cricket bat lengths."
The attendance has been capped at 50 percent in line with the state government regulations and the fans have been advised to "try to keep shouting, singing, cheering or celebrating to a minimum to avoid transmission." All the ticketing and payment procedures have been made contactless and unlike the last time, the guidelines state, there will be "no high fives, autographs or photos permitted with players."
The Women's T20 World Cup final was the last international match in Australia to witness a crowd. Australia, who went on to win the tournament, will be keen to keep their recent dominance over New Zealand intact; they are now on a five-match unbeaten run against the White Ferns.
Australia has also won 18 ODIs in a row and has a shot at equalling the world record of 21 successive ODI wins achieved by Ricky Ponting's side in 2003.