Following the decision by Cricket South Africa (CSA) to withdraw the men’s Proteas team from January’s ODI series in Australia, the SA team loses the series 3-0 and could miss direct qualification for the World Cup in India.
Australia are scheduled to be awarded the ODI Super League points from the three matches.
The Proteas are languishing at No 11 in the league with just four wins from 13 matches. The top eight teams will qualify directly for the World Cup.
The remaining five teams will compete with five associate teams in a qualifying tournament for the final two spots.
Last month, CSA made a request to Australia to move the series – which was to take place after the three tests – after the announcement of their new T20 league due to begin in January.
However, in a crowded calendar, no window was found so the matches were cancelled.
“Given these games will not be played before the qualification cut-off date in May, CSA has agreed that Australia will be awarded the competition points pending ICC approval,” a Cricket Australia statement said.
One knock-on effect of the series being scrubbed is that Australian players will be available for the domestic Big Bash League. The fixtures for the BBL are due to be released on Thursday. – Additional reporting by espncricinfo.com
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