New Zealand, Windies welcome crowds back but COVID impact keenly felt


WELLINGTON (Reuters) - A sense of normality returns to cricket on Friday when New Zealand take on West Indies in their Twenty20 series opener with no restrictions on the crowd size in Auckland, but the COVID-19 pandemic continues to cast a long shadow over the tour.

The global health crisis fractured the buildup to the three Twenty20, two-test series for both sides, with some players only released from isolation on Thursday after returning from the rearranged Indian Premier League.

The Star Festive Promo: Get 35% OFF Digital Access

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 8.02/month

Billed as RM 96.20 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Cricket

Cricket-Australia begin T20 World Cup with 67-run win over Ireland
Cricket-S Africa survive double Super Over drama against Afghanistan
Cricket-Australia's Marsh ruled out of T20 World Cup opener with groin injury
Cricket-Farhan fires Pakistan to 32-run win over the US in T20 World Cup
Cricket-New Zealand's Bracewell ruled out of T20 World Cup due to calf injury
Cricket-Fans excited about Pakistan v India T20 World Cup match after boycott reversed
Cricket-New Zealand openers smash T20 World Cup record in 10-wicket rout of UAE
Cricket-South Africa begin T20 World Cup campaign with a commanding 57-run win over Canada
Cricket-Pakistan agrees to play India in T20 World Cup match, government says
Cricket-Bangladesh urge Pakistan to reverse decision to boycott India game in T20 World Cup

Others Also Read