Cricket-NZ home international cricket schedule shuffled over COVID-19 concerns

(Reuters) - The New Zealand Blackcaps will play both of their February tests against South Africa in Christchurch, while a one-day international (ODI) series against Australia in March will be contested exclusively in Napier, New Zealand Cricket announced on Thursday.

The changes have been prompted by ongoing concerns about the spread of COVID-19, with the reduction in travel hopefully reducing the chances of an outbreak that would put matches at risk.

Wellington is the big loser in the reshuffle. It had been scheduled to host the second NZ-South Africa test and the first two NZ-Australia ODIs.

In another schedule change, the NZ women's White Ferns' series against India (one Twenty20 and five ODIs) will be played solely in Queenstown.

"These risk mitigations are based on avoiding known COVID-19 hotspots, and include limiting air travel, limiting accommodation transfers and, essentially, operating in safer environments," said NZ Cricket chief executive David White.

"We know the more domestic flights we have, and the more movement there is between hotels, the greater the chance of a match or even a series being put at risk."

White acknowledged the disappointment Wellington cricket fans would no doubt experience, but said the most important thing was to maximise the chances of the matches being played.

"It's a very difficult time for everyone," he said.

REVISED HOME SUMMER SCHEDULE:

MEN:

NZ v South Africa: Two tests in Christchurch (Feb. 17-March 1)

NZ v Australia: Three ODIs in Napier (March 17-20)

NZ v Netherlands: One Twenty20 and three ODIs in Mount Maunganui and Hamilton (March 25-April 4)

WOMENNZ v India: One Twenty20 and five ODIs in Queenstown (Feb. 9-24)

(Reporting by Andrew Both in Melbourne; Editing by Chris