DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - NOVEMBER 14: Aaron Finch of Australia lifts the ICC World T20 Trophy with teammates after the ICC Men's T20 World Cup final match between New Zealand and Australia at Dubai International Stadium on November 14, 2021 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images)
The Australian international home summer of cricket could be in for an extension through the month of March, with reports suggesting three T20s between Australia and New Zealand slated for March will need to be hosted in Australia.
The matches were originally supposed to be held across the ditch, with Napier and Wellington playing host on March 17, 18 and 20.
However, with New Zealand set to tour Australia for three ODIs in February, it's now thought New Zealand's tight quarantine rules - which have already seen a number of players withdraw from the series as they rest ahead of a packed schedule - will see the Black Caps being open to shifting the series to Australia.
It's thought New Zealand's quarantine system could change by March, allowing the players more freedom in travelling home after the series.
Under the proposed plan revealed by News Hub in New Zealand, the Black Caps would play the three ODI matches as scheduled on January 30, February 2 and February 5 before playing a T20 in Canberra on March 8.
The venues are currently slated for Perth, Hobart and Sydney, although that is likely to change owing to Western Australia's tight border restrictions and the need to keep broadcasters close to bases. That will mean the series will likely be held in Melbourne, Sydney and Canberra.
The plan then suggests New Zealand would remain in Australia during Sri Lanka's five T20 matches, which are due to be completed by February 20, before playing three T20s of their own at the end of February, with the series brought forward by a couple of weeks.
It would still likely not feature any of Australia's Test stars however, with the red ball team set to play the first Test of a three-match series against Pakistan on March 3.
Venues used by Cricket Australia at the end of February or early in March would also come in doubt given the NRL and AFL seasons impending arrival and removal of cricket pitches.
It's thought most major cricket grounds around the country would be out of action by then, meaning the series may need to be played in Hobart, Canberra or another regional venue.
No confirmed plans have been announced yet, however, with New Zealand due to fly to Australia early next week, the cricket boards on either side of the Tasman will need to move quickly in order to confirm plans.