Justin Langer open to staging games behind closed doors

Langer’s Australia side are due in the UK in June and July, facing off against Scotland and then England in a series of limited-over matches

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Justin Langer has admitted that he would be open to staging matches behind closed doors – if and when it becomes safe to do so.

Playing games in empty grounds has been touted as one means of allowing live sport to return, depending on official government advice regarding social distancing, even in the event that the current lockdown restrictions imposed on the public are relaxed.

Langer’s Australia side are due in the UK in June and July, facing off against Scotland and then England in a series of limited-over matches.

Australia’s final match before the spread of coronavirus brought global sport to a standstill was played out without fans – an ODI against New Zealand in Sydney on March 13. The subsequent matches were postponed, along with a return T20I series between the two countries.

“When you started off playing underage cricket, there's no crowds there,” Langer told BBC Radio Five Live.

“Maybe your mum and dad came and watched, or your brother and sister were bored and playing on the swings somewhere else. You played it because you loved playing the game, you loved playing with your mates and you loved playing the game.

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Australia beat New Zealand in an ODI played behind closed doors in Sydney, before the COVID-19 outbreak curtailed the series

“The Australian cricket team are so fortunate to play in front of big crowds every time we play. But for the love of the game, and for still being able to entertain people through TV sets or radio, then there's value in that.

“Yes it's different, but we'll never, ever, ever take for granted how lucky we are, ever again. We are so lucky in what we do.”

Australia Women, who were due to tour South Africa between late March and early April, also saw their trip postponed.

New Zealand are due to face Ireland, Scotland, the Netherlands and West Indies during an extensive summer tour. New Zealand Cricket chief executive David White, however, has poured doubt on whether the tour will go ahead.

“Given the bigger picture, and the terrible toll that COVID-19 is taking worldwide, we need to look after not only our own people, but the greater community good,” he said.

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