While Cricket Australia will continue to monitor public health and biosecurity considerations across the country as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the announcement that the First Test has been scheduled to commence on 3 December in Brisbane was warmly endorsed by Queensland Cricket (QC).
 
QC CEO Terry Svenson said today’s official announcement that the 2020-21 international schedule would feature a traditional first Test at the Gabba would be eagerly embraced by the State’s many cricket lovers.
 
“Whilst we understand that CA will continue to chart the course for the summer based around providing a safe and supportive environment for players and coaches, fans and stakeholders, it is exciting to have the season framework laid out,’’ he said.
 
“Australia’s unbeaten record over 31 years at the Gabba provides the team with ample incentive to make a confident start to this keenly anticipated series. Thanks to investment from the Queensland Government tThe venue is currently undergoing a $35 million upgrade to improve facilities for fans, corporate supporters and media and broadcasters that is on schedule to be completed in time for the 2020-21 season.
 
“Of course, there is still much to do ahead of a return to playing international cricket and Queensland Cricket will work alongside all key stakeholders to ensure we get the appropriate outcome.”
 
Svenson welcomed the allocation of limited overs matches to key regional centres and venues in Queensland, pending confirmation of the respective tours under State and Commonwealth biosecurity and public health guidelines.
 
“It’s very encouraging to see elite sporting facilities like Riverway Stadium in Townsville, Cazalys in Cairns and Metricon Stadium on the Gold Coast rewarded with the allocation of men’s and women’s limited overs internationals. Again, we will work alongside all of our key stakeholders to ensure we get the best possible result for the game.”
 
Queensland Minister for Sport the Hon Mick de Brenni MP has strongly welcomed the news and confirmed the Gabba will be ready.
 
“As we make our way through the COVID-19 pandemic, the Queensland Government is working closely with Queensland Cricket through the Return to Play Advisory Group to develop COVID-SAFE plans to ensure that Queenslanders are able to safely enjoy the upcoming summer of cricket.
 
“While Queensland stadiums are still closed to the public, we are progressing works on the $35 million upgrades to the Gabba so that fans have access to world-class facilities ahead of the first Test in December.
 
“Not only is cricket at the Gabba great for local fans and local workers—employing around 700 people on a typical match day—it’s great for the Australian Test team who are set to continue their 31-year winning streak at the Gabba wicket.
 
The international matches set to be played in Queensland, in addition to the First Test at the Gabba, include scheduled series against Zimbabwe, New Zealand and the West Indies as well as a Gillette T20 international at the Gabba in October.
 

QLD 2020-21 International Fixtures

Gillette Men’s ODI Series
Australia versus Zimbabwe at Riverway Stadium, Townsville (August 15)

CommBank Women’s ODI Series
Australia vs New Zealand at Riverway Stadium, Townsville (October 5)
Australia vs New Zealand at Cazaly's Stadium, Cairns (October 7)
Australia vs New Zealand at Metricon Stadium Gold Coast (October 10)

Gillette Men’s T20I Series
Australia v West Indies at Riverway Stadium, Townsville (October 4)
Australia vs West Indies, Cazaly's Stadium, Cairns (October 6)
Australia vs West Indies, Metricon Stadium, Gold Coast (October 9)

Gillette Men’s T20I Series
Australia v India at the Gabba, Brisbane (October 11)

Men's Test Series
Australia vs India at the Gabba, Brisbane (December 3-7)