ICC World Test Championship: CA blames angry CSA for rejecting offer to play in Australia

Australian team faced a major setback after ir proposed tour to South Africa was ultimately postponed by Cricket Australia (CA) on Tuesday, due to ongoing coronavirus pandemic. After ir embarrassing loss to Indian in recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Tim Paine-led side were hopeful of redeeming mselves with a spirited performance in South Africa. With this latest development, Australia's ICC World Championship aspirations could also come to an abrupt end, as y have a very bleak chance to make it to final with ir current points. 

ICC World Test Championship: CA claims South Africa was t interested to play in Australia 

Australian cricket board's decision of postponing three-match Test series against South Africa cost m a place in  ICC World Test Championship Final and has also angered Cricket South Africa (CSA) reportedly. With South Africa facing a second wave of COVID-19 virus, board was apprehensive of letting ir players travel to country for matches. However, in an attempt to save series, y offered to host matches in Australia itself, but Cricket South Africa chose to decline proposal. 

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Cricket Australia's interim CEO, Nick Hockley, dressed same issue while speaking to reporters on Wednesday. He revealed that board h me a formal offer to CSA of hosting series in Australia, which was considered since last few months to save CSA huge costs of organizing it in ir home country. As a result, CEO rejected claims that Australia cancelled tour using pandemic as an excuse, when it is being speculated by many pundits and cricketers that CA did t see much of financial sense in doing so at present. Hockley confirmed that two nations will play series in future and y are keen on rescheduling matches. 

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Pakistan vs South Africa 2021

South Africa are currently in Pakistan, where y are scheduled to play two Test matches and three T20Is. Having lost ir first Test match, y will be keen to bounce back with a thumping win in upcoming fixture. Moreover, Pakistan vs South Africa 2021 series also could be a reason why CSA rejected Australia's proposal. Considering bio-security protocols in different countries, along with challenges of being in a bio-secure environment for an extended period, could take a toll on players. 

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WTC standings: New Zealand qualify for Final 

Australia currently occupy  third spot on points table with 69.2 percent points to ir name. New Zealand w have become first team to claim a spot in Final, and y are placed at second position with 70 percent points. This makes upcoming India vs England Test series even more important for both participating nations.

India, who currently are at top of WTC standings 71.7 percent points, will have to win home series by at least a two-match margin to make it to Final. England, who are fourth with 68 percent points, also have an outside chance if y man to win Indian vs England Test series by 3-0, 4-0, or 3-1.

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Im source: cricket.com.au