Australia batsman Peter Handscomb is confident the T20 World Cup will go ahead, as scheduled, later this year.

The tournament is due to be played in Australia, but is in doubt amid the threat posed by the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

Plenty of international cricket, including this year’s edition of the Indian Premier League, has been suspended or postponed as a preventative measure against the virus.

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‘Looking at what other sports are trying to do at the moment, it’s great to see the football codes in Australia are looking to get back soon at least to training,’ said Handscomb.

‘They’re going to try to start their seasons end of May, June, July. That could set a real good precedent for sport in Australia coming into our summer.’

Handscomb was meant to play for Middlesex in the County Championship in the United Kingdom this month. His stint with the London-based team, though, has been delayed.

‘I’ve been talking to Middlesex each week and the players to get an understanding of how they’re feeling during this time and what they are doing to keep themselves busy, not getting stuck in a rut too much. In terms of the contract, it’s on hold. I’ve got next year as well but this year we are just playing it by ear,’ added Handscomb.

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