MCG on standby as coronavirus outbreak threatens Australia’s Test against India
Third Test was due to be played in Sydney but is under threat following a fresh coronavirus outbreak
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) has been placed on standby if Australia are unable to play the third Test against India in Sydney following a fresh coronavirus outbreak in New South Wales, Cricket Australia (CA) said on Thursday.
The third Test venue has been the subject of debate after a new community outbreak emerged in Sydney's northern beach suburbs late last week.
CA interim chief executive Nick Hockley, however, said they intended to play the 7-11 January game in Sydney but would move it to Melbourne if required. A decision would be made during the second test at the MCG.
READ MORE: England tour of Sri Lanka set to go ahead despite Covid-19 fears
The fourth test at Brisbane's Gabba ground from 15 January would then go ahead as scheduled.
"We've got a range of contingencies for every eventuality," Hockley told reporters in a Zoom conference. "If situation worsens in Sydney, one of those options is to stay in Melbourne, play the New Year's test in Melbourne and then go straight to Brisbane."
"We've been really buoyed by the way that the New South Wales and Sydney communities seem to be getting on top of this. So we are currently planning all systems go for the New Year's test to take place in Sydney as scheduled."
Australia's most populous city has been virtually isolated from the rest of the country with state border closures or mandatory 14-day quarantine for Sydney arrivals.
The touring India team, who lost the day-night series opener in Adelaide, would prefer sticking to the original itinerary, said Hockley who also ruled out playing back-to-back tests in Sydney.
"There's a relatively short gap between the third and fourth tests, so from a pitch perspective it's highly, highly problematic," he said.
The CA is working with the Queensland state government on exemptions to enable players, match officials, broadcasters, media and staff to move from Sydney to Brisbane following the third test if the border was still closed.
Reuters
This weekend get a £10 free bet with Betfair, when you bet £10 on a Same Game Multi on the Premier League. Terms: Min £10 Same Game Multi bet on any EPL match this Fri - Sun. Free bet valid for 72 hours, awarded at bet settlement. Excludes cashed out bets. T&Cs apply.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments