Cricket Australia said on Monday that the SCG remains its preferred location for the third test against India after reports emerged that the governing body is contemplating exchanging the last two games of the four-test series due to rising COVID-cases. 19 in Sydney.
Australian cricket officials went on high alert last week after an outbreak of the virus on Sydney’s North Beaches, which will host the third test from January 7.
There were reports that the CA was considering options and that “switching the third and fourth tests between Sydney and Brisbane was the best alternative”.
However, CA Acting CEO Nick Hockley said he is hopeful of conducting the third test between Australia and India at SCG.
“We have not made any changes to our schedule and our preference continues to be to play the game at the Sydney Cricket Ground,” said Hockley, as quoted by the ‘Sydney Morning Herald’ in a statement.
“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 territorial associations, the Australian Cricket Players Association, our partners and places. With cases on the rise, Australia’s star starter David Warner and pacemaker Sean Abbott, both recovering from injuries, flew from Sydney to Melbourne on Saturday, where the Boxing Day test will take place from December 26. .
The governing body’s coronavirus task force will also meet on Sunday to assess the impact of the Sydney North Beaches virus cluster on the third test.
With the number of cases shot up to 71, Victoria and South Australia have already announced stricter border controls, while the New South Wales state government has also imposed new restrictions.
Under the current circumstances, there are concerns that the state of Queensland may close its border with New South Wales, which will mean that players and broadcast teams will not be able to travel from Sydney to Brisbane between the third and fourth tests.
Hockley said the governing body is prepared for such contingencies.
“CA has prepared for the potential for COVID-19 hotspots and state border closures during 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 to date, ”he said.
According to the report, “Conducting the next two tests in Melbourne, where the series will resume on Boxing Day after Australia took a 1-0 lead in Adelaide, is another option …” COVID-19 cases in South Australia in preparation for the series.
“It has been less than a month since South Australians have been facing an outbreak of the virus in Adelaide and we have just completed a brilliant first Vodafone test at the Adelaide Oval,” said Hockley.
“We faced similar issues in relation to Melbourne Cricket Ground hosting the Boxing Day event and we are now less than a week away from welcoming the Victorian crowds after a difficult year for the state.” The Sydney outbreak had an impact on broadcasters with former Australian running back and Fox Cricket commentator Brett Lee returning home to North Sydney midway through the opening test.
Two members of the Sydney-based broadcaster also returned home last week, while two more decided to work from the hotel.
Three members of the SEN commentary team, which covered the first test, had also left Adelaide last week.
India lost the first test by eight wickets on Sunday to fall 1-0 behind in the four-game series.
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