The Covid-19 outbreak in Sydney has called into question the third test in the city
A change from the Sydney and Brisbane tests, to give New South Wales more time to deal with its current Covid-19 outbreak, is one of two possible scenarios that Cricket Australia is forced to consider as governments states begin to tighten their borders once again.
The cricket, broadcasting and media caravan left Adelaide just in time on Saturday and Sunday, in some cases a few hours before State Prime Minister Steven Marshall announced a mandatory 14-day quarantine for recent visitors. to the great Sydney.
Similar complications are at the center of discussions about how to possibly reformulate the remaining tests between Australia and India, with the strong preference of CA, Cricket NSW and SCG Trust to find a way to avoid the total loss of the Sydney test.
“The third test is over two and a half weeks away, giving us time to assess the evolving public health situation on Sydney’s North Beaches,” CA Acting Director General Nick Hockley said at a statement. “We have not made any changes to our schedule and our preference continues to be to play the game at Sydney Cricket Ground.
“Cricket Australia has developed a strong track record of delivery throughout the most challenging summers and will continue to make appropriate and proportionate decisions in consultation with our biosecurity team, governments, state and territory associations, the Australian Cricket Players Association, our partners. and places. “
Shifting Gabba’s test to the third game in the series, allowing free movement from Melbourne, to Brisbane and then finally to Sydney, would allow the SCG to continue hosting a match, albeit probably with strict restrictions on the number of spectators and also flowing in the effects for the Big Bash League schedule.
The growing outbreak of Covid-19 has forced to re-consider other contingency plans, such as playing both Boxing Day and the New Year’s Test in Melbourne. Such a scenario would be so much to ensure that the roving caravan can travel freely towards Brisbane, the site of the final test, rather than being trapped in Sydney.
This plan is believed to be favored by broadcasters to reduce the amount of trips made by production staff and equipment and consequently achieve cost savings. However, the preferences of the BCCI and the Indian tourism team should also be considered.
“CA has prepared for the possibility of Covid-19 hotspots and state border closures over the summer and the protocols we have implemented have been effective in ensuring the safety and success of national and international men’s and women’s programs for quote, “Hockley said.
“It has been less than a month since South Australians were dealing with an outbreak of the virus in Adelaide and we just completed a brilliant first test at the Adelaide Oval. We faced similar problems in relation to the Melbourne Cricket Ground hosting the Boxing Day Test and we are now less than a week away from welcoming the Victorian crowds after a difficult year for the state.
“We will continue to work closely with all relevant parties to make the right decisions in the right time frames.”
Australia’s impressive three-day victory over India in Adelaide unfolded against the backdrop of the Sydney outbreak, with David Warner and Sean Abbott traveling early to Melbourne to ensure they weren’t caught up in what are likely increasing travel restrictions. outside of New South Wales.
“Of course I’ve been chatting about it, the crossed fingers don’t get too high,” Cummins said. “I think Davey got his own Lear jet to Melbourne by all reports so it’s ordered. But of course CA has been amazing with our medical staff there, they’ve thought of every contingency and red-hot on our discipline with wearing mask and isolation before entering the bubble. So fingers crossed Sydney can take care of themselves, but I think we’ll see Davey and Sean in Melbourne. “
Daniel Brettig is an assistant editor at ESPNcricinfo. @danbrettig
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