The growing number of Covid-19 cases in Adelaide has raised growing concerns about whether the first India-Australia test will be able to take place at the scene. The test series is scheduled to begin on December 17 after the two teams play 3 ODI and 3 T20I, but the Covid outbreak has led to speculation that there could be a change of venue.
Australia’s fast bowler Josh Hazlewood, who is expected to be part of the test team, thinks trading the match to Gabba in Brisbane could be a better option as it would help the Australian rowers.
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“It would probably be (the Gabba) to be fair,” Hazlewood told reporters, according to the Reuters news agency. Australia have not lost a test match at Gabba since 1988 and Hazlewood believes the team also has a good record at the venue and conditions will remain suitable for the hosts as well.
“I think the longer we wait, the hotter it will get there, so the rapids will be happy to finish that game in early December. We obviously have a very good record (in Brisbane) and it’s a great place to start, ”he added.
The outbreak in Adelaide forced players like captain Tim Paine to isolate themselves, while others preparing for the national Big Bash League were transferred to a training ground off the coast of New South Wales. Cricket Australia, which had expected to fill the Adelaide Oval with 27,000 fans, half its capacity, said Tuesday that they “remained committed” to playing the test match day and night at the venue and were monitoring the situation.
Australia will face India for the first time in three one-day internationals and three Twenty20 matches starting November 27 in Sydney.
(With input from Reuters)
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