England’s ODI series against the Netherlands postponed for a year due to uncertain crowd presence

England’s ODI series against the Netherlands postponed for a year due to uncertainty of crowd presence caused by coronavirus… just weeks after Dutch hierarchy confirmed plans to host three matches

  • England were scheduled to play three one-day internationals in May next year 
  • But the lack or limited crowds due to coronavirus has caused a schedule rethink 
  • It comes soon after the Netherlands confirmed they wanted to host them in 2021 

England’s three-match ODI series in the Netherlands has been put back 12 months to May 2022.

Eoin Morgan’s team were scheduled to play a trio of 50-over fixtures on May 22, 24 and 27 next year but the likelihood of a lack of or limited crowds due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic triggered a re-think.

Earlier this month, the Dutch hierarchy confirmed their commitment to hosting the matches despite the financially-crippling prospect of setting up a bio-secure environment as there were no other obvious alternative windows in the calendar and the results count towards international cricket’s new one-day Super League and qualification for the 2023 World Cup.

England’s three-match ODI series in the Netherlands has been put back 12 months to May 2022

Eoin Morgan's team were scheduled to play a trio of 50-over fixtures in May 2021 but uncertainty over the presence of fans due to coronavirus has caused a rethink

Eoin Morgan’s team were scheduled to play a trio of 50-over fixtures in May 2021 but uncertainty over the presence of fans due to coronavirus has caused a rethink

But following further consultation with the ECB, a new set of dates were agreed.

‘Hopefully, with the prospect of crowds returning to sport soon, we can rearrange the three matches in 2022 and showcase international cricket to capacity crowds,’ said England’s managing director Ashley Giles.

‘I am sure many fans will want to travel across from England and be part of this historic ODI series.’

Roland Lefebvre, the Netherlands high performance manager, added: ‘The prospect of playing the world champions to a full house is exciting, and we look forward to welcoming the team back in 2022. 

‘We are very grateful for the cooperation we received from the ECB to make this happen.’

England managing director Ashley Giles is hopeful that the series can be arranged for 2022

England managing director Ashley Giles is hopeful that the series can be arranged for 2022