In a significant scheduling change ahead of the India Women’s tour of Australia in early 2026, Cricket Australia has announced that the third One Day International (ODI) between Australia Women and India Women, originally slated for Melbourne’s Junction Oval, will now be played at Hobart’s Bellerive Oval. The fixture, scheduled for March 1, 2026, was expected to be Junction Oval’s first-ever women’s international match under lights. However, delays in the installation of new floodlights and ongoing construction work at the venue have forced the relocation.
The decision, while disappointing for Melbourne fans, ensures the series remains uninterrupted and logistically feasible. Hobart will now host both the second and third ODIs of the multi-format series, which also includes three T20Is and a historic day-night Test match in Perth.
Why the Venue Was Changed: A Breakdown of Factors
Cricket Australia’s Head of Cricket Operations and Scheduling, Peter Roach, confirmed that the change was necessitated by multiple logistical and infrastructural challenges:
- Floodlight Installation Delays: Junction Oval was undergoing upgrades to host its first day-night international match. However, the new floodlights will not be operational in time for the March 1 fixture.
- Spectator Access Limitations: Ongoing construction at the venue would have significantly restricted access for fans, making it impractical to host a high-profile international match.
- Tight Schedule: With only one rest day between the second and third ODIs, converting the match into a day game or rescheduling was not feasible.
- MCG Unavailable: The Melbourne Cricket Ground, a potential backup venue, is undergoing renovation and was ruled out as an alternative.
| Reason for Relocation | Description |
|---|---|
| Floodlight Installation Delay | Junction Oval’s lights not ready for day-night match |
| Construction Impact | Limited spectator access due to ongoing works |
| Schedule Constraints | Only one day between ODIs; no time for venue change or match format shift |
| MCG Renovation | Melbourne Cricket Ground unavailable due to upgrades |
Revised Schedule: India Women’s Tour of Australia 2026
The multi-format series between India and Australia is part of a packed international calendar, with the Women’s Premier League (WPL) scheduled for January and the ODI World Cup set for October. The tour runs from February 15 to March 9, 2026, and includes three T20Is, three ODIs, and a four-day Test match.
| Match Type | Date | Venue | Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st T20I | February 15, 2026 | Sydney Cricket Ground | 13:45 |
| 2nd T20I | February 19, 2026 | Manuka Oval, Canberra | 13:45 |
| 3rd T20I | February 21, 2026 | Adelaide Oval | 13:45 |
| 1st ODI | February 24, 2026 | Allan Border Field, Brisbane | 09:20 |
| 2nd ODI | February 27, 2026 | Bellerive Oval, Hobart | 09:20 |
| 3rd ODI | March 1, 2026 | Bellerive Oval, Hobart | 09:20 |
| Test Match | March 6–9, 2026 | WACA Ground, Perth | 10:50 |
Reactions From Cricket Australia and Players
Peter Roach expressed regret over the venue change, stating, “We are disappointed we have had to move this match from Junction Oval and that there will be no women’s international match in Melbourne this season. We anticipated the Junction Oval lights would be installed several weeks before this fixture and were looking forward to celebrating the first international match under lights at the ground”.
Australia captain Alyssa Healy also weighed in on the broader scheduling shift, noting, “Not having an international fixture in that school holiday period does hurt a little bit, but in saying that, it kind of extends the cricket season, which isn’t completely a bad thing for our sport”.
Impact on Fans and Ticketing
Fans who had purchased tickets for the Melbourne fixture will be issued full refunds. Cricket Victoria has confirmed that Junction Oval will continue to host Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) matches involving the Melbourne Stars and Melbourne Renegades, though these will be day games due to the incomplete lighting infrastructure.
| Fan Impact Area | Status Update |
|---|---|
| Ticket Refunds | Full refunds for Junction Oval ticket holders |
| WBBL Matches | Will proceed at Junction Oval as day games |
| Domestic Fixtures | Unaffected; scheduled matches to continue |
| International Match | No women’s international fixture in Melbourne this season |
Strategic Implications for Women’s Cricket
The relocation underscores the growing logistical demands of hosting international women’s cricket, especially as the sport gains commercial traction and fan following. The shift also reflects Cricket Australia’s commitment to maintaining schedule integrity while prioritizing player welfare and spectator experience.
The decision to host back-to-back ODIs in Hobart offers Tasmanian fans a rare opportunity to witness consecutive international fixtures. Cricket Tasmania has welcomed the change, promising robust local support and enhanced match-day experiences.
Conclusion
The relocation of the third ODI between Australia Women and India Women from Melbourne to Hobart was driven by unavoidable infrastructural delays and scheduling constraints. While the change has disappointed fans in Victoria, it ensures the series proceeds smoothly and highlights the evolving landscape of women’s cricket logistics.
As Hobart prepares to host two back-to-back ODIs, the spotlight now shifts to the players and the cricket itself. With both teams eyeing momentum ahead of the Women’s ODI World Cup, the series promises high-quality action and renewed rivalries.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available news reports and official statements. All scheduling details are subject to change based on venue readiness and cricket board decisions. Readers are advised to follow Cricket Australia and BCCI announcements for verified updates.
