Next Year, Australia Set to Engage in a Three-Match Test Series in the West Indies, Announces Nick Hockley
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Adelaide, Dec 7 (NationPress) Nick Hockley, the CEO of Cricket Australia (CA), has stated that the Australian Test team will participate in a three-match series in the West Indies in June and July of the upcoming year, changing the initial arrangement of just two games. Under the new World Test Championship cycle, Australia was slated to play two Tests in the West Indies.
However, Hockley highlighted that CA and Cricket West Indies (CWI) have come to an agreement to host three matches instead. Earlier this year in January, the two-Test series between Australia and West Indies concluded in a draw of one match each. This upcoming series will mark Australia's first Test tour to the West Indies since 2015, when they secured victories in both games held in Dominica and Jamaica.
"I am truly excited that this is going to happen. We are currently awaiting an official announcement from the West Indies Cricket Board regarding exact dates and locations, but it will indeed be a three-Test series, which is certainly significant and fitting," Hockley expressed.
"This presents another excellent opportunity. The World Test Championship specifies that we are required to play at least two matches. Yet, for the enjoyment of the fans and players alike, nobody wants to be left in a one-all situation where satisfaction is lacking," Hockley stated during his appearance on SEN Radio while discussing day two of the Adelaide Test.
When questioned about the possibility of one of the matches being a pink ball day-night Test, Hockley replied, "I cannot confirm that at this moment. We will provide updates in due time."
Regarding the disruption caused by lights going out twice during the final session on Friday, Hockley remarked, "What we understand is that it was a switching issue. We have received solid assurances that this will not occur again."
"I was actually standing next to Charlie Hodgson, the chief of SACA, and since it is their venue, I knew that the venue managers and specialists were addressing the situation, and I felt confident they would rectify it swiftly," he added.
Addressing inquiries about the status of the 2025 Men’s Champions Trophy, which has been uncertain due to India's reluctance to travel to Pakistan, Hockley disclosed that no formal discussions had yet occurred, but that a hybrid model for hosting the tournament would be sensible if the situation remains challenging.
"While we haven't had any formal discussions on that, I've certainly been aware of the media reports circulating in the past 24 hours. Ultimately, this is a matter that transcends even those in cricket’s higher ranks, but the priority for fans, broadcasters, and all cricket enthusiasts is to ensure we deliver a remarkable event and an outstanding Champions Trophy. Hence, if a hybrid model is the most practical solution in this scenario, then that seems reasonable," Hockley concluded.
