Cricket Australia responded to the news by claiming the tour could and should still have gone ahead while talks over a new MOU continued.

"Cricket Australia is disappointed that players have today confirmed that they are unwilling to take part in the Australia A tour of South Africa," a statement said.

"CA has never and would never attempt to compel any player to represent Australia at any level if they were unwilling to do so.

"Cricket Australia regrets that players have made this decision despite progress made in talks between CA and the ACA in meetings over the past week. While a new MOU has not yet been agreed, CA is of the view that these talks should have enabled the tour to proceed as planned."