Former England captain Michael Vaughan has expressed his concerns over Australia's decision to postpone their tour of South Africa as he called the decision a "huge worry" for cricket.&nbsp;

Cricket Australia on Tuesday called off the tour citing COVID-19 risk for the visitors. Cricket South Africa, in response, posted a strong-worded&nbsp;statement as they called the decision "regrettable".&nbsp;&nbsp;

Questioning the decision of Cricket Australia to postpone the South Africa series, Vaughan asked whether they would have done the same had it been a tour of India. The former England skipper added that the 'Big 3' of India, England and Australia&nbsp;should do everything to help other cricket boards in a bid to overcome the financial loss suffered during the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;"The Aussies pulling out of the tour of SA is a huge worry for the game ... Would they have pulled out of a tour to India is the question&nbsp;?? !!&nbsp;It's so important in these times that the big 3 do everything they can to help out those without the financial clout ... #JustSaying," Vaughan tweeted.&nbsp;&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/winning-test-series-in-india-bigger-than-ashes-opines-matt-prior-361030" hreflang="en">Winning Test series in India 'bigger' than Ashes, opines Matt Prior</a>

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The Aussies pulling out of the tour of SA is a huge worry for the game ... Would they have pulled out of a tour to India is the question ?? !! It’s so important in these times that the big 3 do everything they can to help out those without the financial clout ... <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JustSaying?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JustSaying</a>
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) <a href="https://twitter.com/MichaelVaughan/status/1356880526037106689?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2021</a></blockquote>
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With the series between Australia and South Africa postponed, the ICC on Tuesday confirmed that New Zealand have now become the first team to qualify for the finals of the&nbsp;ICC&nbsp;World Test Championship (WTC).&nbsp;&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/archer-says-body-management-key-in-busy-england-calender-361017" hreflang="en">Archer says 'body management' key in busy England calender</a>

As things stand, India, Australia and England are the other three teams in contention to make it to the final of World Test Championship, scheduled to be held from June 18-22.&nbsp;&nbsp;

While Vaughan has expressed his disappointment over Cricket Australia's decision to postpone the tour, similar sentiments were shared by the cricket fans on social media platforms.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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Former England captain Michael Vaughan has expressed his concerns over Australia's decision to postpone their tour of South Africa as he called the decision a "huge worry" for cricket.

Former England captain Michael Vaughan has expressed his concerns over Australia's decision to postpone their tour of South Africa as he called the decision a "huge worry" for cricket. Cricket Australia on Tuesday called off the tour citing COVID-19 risk for the visitors. Cricket South Africa, in response, posted a strong-worded statement as they called the decision "regrettable". Questioning the decision of Cricket Australia to postpone the South Africa series, Vaughan asked whether they would have done the same had it been a tour of India. The former England skipper added that the 'Big 3' of India, England and Australia should do everything to help other cricket boards in a bid to overcome the financial loss suffered during the coronavirus pandemic. "The Aussies pulling out of the tour of SA is a huge worry for the game ... Would they have pulled out of a tour to India is the question ?? !! It's so important in these times that the big 3 do everything they can to help out those without the financial clout ... #JustSaying," Vaughan tweeted. ALSO READ: Winning Test series in India 'bigger' than Ashes, opines Matt Prior The Aussies pulling out of the tour of SA is a huge worry for the game ... Would they have pulled out of a tour to India is the question ?? !! It’s so important in these times that the big 3 do everything they can to help out those without the financial clout ... #JustSaying — Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) February 3, 2021 × With the series between Australia and South Africa postponed, the ICC on Tuesday confirmed that New Zealand have now become the first team to qualify for the finals of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC). ALSO READ: Archer says 'body management' key in busy England calender As things stand, India, Australia and England are the other three teams in contention to make it to the final of World Test Championship, scheduled to be held from June 18-22. While Vaughan has expressed his disappointment over Cricket Australia's decision to postpone the tour, similar sentiments were shared by the cricket fans on social media platforms.

'Huge worry for the game': Michael Vaughan expresses concerns over SA vs AUS series postponement

Matthew Wade was axed Wednesday for Australia's Test series in South Africa after failing to fire against India, while under-pressure Tim Paine retained the captaincy.

Wade played all four games in the tense 2-1 home summer series loss to India, including two as makeshift opener in place of the injured David Warner.

But he managed just 173 from his eight innings, with some rash shots ultimately costing him his place in the side and seeing him replaced by Alex Carey as back-up wicketkeeper.

Instead, Wade will join Australia's Twenty20 squad on their tour of New Zealand as vice-captain to the out-of-form Aaron Finch.

Australia are due to play three Tests in South Africa. The tour was originally scheduled for February and March, but the dates have yet to be locked in due to concerns over coronavirus.

Cricket Australia Wednesday reiterated its commitment to making the trip, with the Tests expected to take place in March or April.&nbsp;

The five-game T20 tour of New Zealand runs from February 22 to March 7, clashing with South Africa, meaning a host of players including Warner, Steve Smith and Pat Cummins were not available.

Wade was the main casualty from the India series, with the squad otherwise much the same.

Uncapped bowlers Sean Abbott, Michael Neser, and Mitchell Swepson are again included, with fellow quick Mark Steketee and Carey the only newcomers.

Carey's inclusion was seen as significant, with the 29-year-old, who has excelled for Australia in limited overs internationals, tipped as a potential successor as captain to Paine, 36.

Paine had a sub-par series against India, particularly the last two Tests when he dropped a slew of chances and came under fire over his bowling changes, field placings and decisions on when to declare.

He was also fined for an expletive-laden rant at an umpire and forced to apologise after an ugly verbal tirade at India's Ravi Ashwin, all of which put his captaincy under the microscope.

<h2>- 'Wide of the mark' -</h2>

But National Selector Trevor Hohns insisted Paine was still the right man for the job.

"Tim Paine was excellent at number seven against India and as a batsman, wicketkeeper and captain still has much to offer in the Test arena," he said.

Cricket Australia's National Teams chief Ben Oliver also gave Paine his backing.

"Tim has the support of the team, the coach and everyone else at Cricket Australia and the result of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series has done nothing to diminish that," he said.

"After a series that attracted so much global interest, it was inevitable there'd be scrutiny. But some of the commentary surrounding Tim and his position as Test captain has been wide of the mark."

The absence of several T20 regulars opened the door for some fresh faces to make the trip to New Zealand, with three uncapped players in the squad including teenage leg-spinner Tanveer Sangha.

The other rookies are opener and gloveman Josh Philippe and fast bowler Riley Meredith.

Paceman Jhye Richardson and Jason Behrendorff and spinner Ashton Agar make their return to Australian colours after lengthy injury layoffs.

&nbsp;

Test squad for South Africa: Tim Paine (capt), Pat Cummins, Sean Abbott, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Moises Henriques, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, James Pattinson, Will Pucovski, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Mark Steketee, Mitchell Swepson, David Warner

T20 squad for New Zealand: Aaron Finch (capt), Matthew Wade, Ashton Agar, Jason Behrendorff, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Ben McDermott, Riley Meredith, Josh Philippe, Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson, Daniel Sams, Tanveer Sangha, D'Arcy Short, Marcus Stoinis, Ashton Turner, Andrew Tye, Adam Zampa

Matthew Wade was axed Wednesday for Australia's Test series in South Africa after failing to fire against India, while under-pressure Tim Paine retained the captaincy.

Matthew Wade was axed Wednesday for Australia's Test series in South Africa after failing to fire against India, while under-pressure Tim Paine retained the captaincy. Wade played all four games in the tense 2-1 home summer series loss to India, including two as makeshift opener in place of the injured David Warner. But he managed just 173 from his eight innings, with some rash shots ultimately costing him his place in the side and seeing him replaced by Alex Carey as back-up wicketkeeper. Instead, Wade will join Australia's Twenty20 squad on their tour of New Zealand as vice-captain to the out-of-form Aaron Finch. Australia are due to play three Tests in South Africa. The tour was originally scheduled for February and March, but the dates have yet to be locked in due to concerns over coronavirus. Cricket Australia Wednesday reiterated its commitment to making the trip, with the Tests expected to take place in March or April. The five-game T20 tour of New Zealand runs from February 22 to March 7, clashing with South Africa, meaning a host of players including Warner, Steve Smith and Pat Cummins were not available. Wade was the main casualty from the India series, with the squad otherwise much the same. Uncapped bowlers Sean Abbott, Michael Neser, and Mitchell Swepson are again included, with fellow quick Mark Steketee and Carey the only newcomers. Carey's inclusion was seen as significant, with the 29-year-old, who has excelled for Australia in limited overs internationals, tipped as a potential successor as captain to Paine, 36. Paine had a sub-par series against India, particularly the last two Tests when he dropped a slew of chances and came under fire over his bowling changes, field placings and decisions on when to declare. He was also fined for an expletive-laden rant at an umpire and forced to apologise after an ugly verbal tirade at India's Ravi Ashwin, all of which put his captaincy under the microscope. - 'Wide of the mark' - But National Selector Trevor Hohns insisted Paine was still the right man for the job. "Tim Paine was excellent at number seven against India and as a batsman, wicketkeeper and captain still has much to offer in the Test arena," he said. Cricket Australia's National Teams chief Ben Oliver also gave Paine his backing. "Tim has the support of the team, the coach and everyone else at Cricket Australia and the result of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series has done nothing to diminish that," he said. "After a series that attracted so much global interest, it was inevitable there'd be scrutiny. But some of the commentary surrounding Tim and his position as Test captain has been wide of the mark." The absence of several T20 regulars opened the door for some fresh faces to make the trip to New Zealand, with three uncapped players in the squad including teenage leg-spinner Tanveer Sangha. The other rookies are opener and gloveman Josh Philippe and fast bowler Riley Meredith. Paceman Jhye Richardson and Jason Behrendorff and spinner Ashton Agar make their return to Australian colours after lengthy injury layoffs. Test squad for South Africa: Tim Paine (capt), Pat Cummins, Sean Abbott, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Moises Henriques, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, James Pattinson, Will Pucovski, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Mark Steketee, Mitchell Swepson, David Warner T20 squad for New Zealand: Aaron Finch (capt), Matthew Wade, Ashton Agar, Jason Behrendorff, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Ben McDermott, Riley Meredith, Josh Philippe, Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson, Daniel Sams, Tanveer Sangha, D'Arcy Short, Marcus Stoinis, Ashton Turner, Andrew Tye, Adam Zampa

Australia axe Wade, keep Paine as captain for South Africa Test tour

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'Huge worry for the game': Michael Vaughan expresses concerns over SA vs AUS series postponement

Australia axe Wade, keep Paine as captain for South Africa Test tour