JOHANNESBURG, May 14: South Africa is willing to step in and host a One-day International series between Australia and Zimbabwe but the Australian government believes it is "highly unlikely" the games will eventuate.

The government wrote to Cricket Australia (CA) ordering it not to tour Zimbabwe but CA said it was considering whether the matches could be played at a neutral venue.

Gerald Majola, Cricket South Africa's Chief Executive, said there would be no problem if both countries wanted to play in South Africa.

“I haven't heard anything from anyone,” Majola said in the Sydney Morning Herald. “Obviously Australia and Zimbabwe would have to agree to move the tour first. If the two parties agreed to play there, then we would be fine with that.”

The Australian government would prefer that the series was cancelled completely and Alexander Downer, Australia's foreign minister, said it would be unpalatable for Zimbabwe to play elsewhere.

—Agencies