Sydney to host third Test between India and Australia regardless of COVID-19 fears

Cricket Australia on Tuesday determined to retain Sydney because the venue for the third Test in opposition to India, ending hypothesis that the sport might transfer to Melbourne due to stringent COVID-19 border restrictions that will have affected the gamers’ motion for the fourth match in Brisbane.
The third Test is to be held from January 7. The collection is presently locked 1-1 after India gained the second Test in Melbourne, which was positioned on standby within the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak in Sydney’s northern seashores earlier than Christmas.
“Despite the many challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, I am delighted to say Cricket Australia remains on track to deliver the men’s international series as scheduled,” Cricket Australia’s Interim CEO Nick Hockley was quoted as saying by ‘cricket.com.au’.
The fourth and ultimate Test is scheduled from January 19 in Brisbane, Queensland, which has positioned strict border restrictions on arrivals from Sydney.
“We have met regularly over the past week to assess the unfolding public health situation in Sydney and gauge its impact on border restrictions around the country,” Hockley stated.
“…To that end, we have made the decision to keep the New Year’s Test at the SCG, which has a wonderful recent history of hosting the Pink Test and Jane McGrath Day on the third day of play.”
The outbreak had earlier jeopardised the preparations for the fourth Test on the Gabba with Queensland closing its border for anybody coming from the Greater Sydney space.
“We are assured that each this match, and the fourth Test in Brisbane, will play out in a secure and profitable method…
“We are very grateful to the Queensland Government for their willingness to work with us to deliver the series as planned in a manner that places the safety and wellbeing of the players, officials, staff and the wider community as its top priority,” Hockley stated.
“In response to the public health situation in NSW and the requirements of the Queensland Government, CA will put in place appropriate biosecurity measures and we thank all players, staff and broadcasters for their cooperation to play the matches safely,” he added.
The “Pink Test” has change into a practice on the Sydney Cricket Ground and in its twelfth yr final summer season raised 1.2 million Australian {dollars} for the McGrath basis, a charity arrange by former pacer Glenn Mcgrath to help breast most cancers sufferers.
“We are thrilled the Vodafone Pink Test will still take place at the SCG. It is the home of the Pink Test and the spirit and support of the crowd at the SCG have become a huge part of the Pink Test atmosphere over the past 12 years,” McGrath stated in a press release.
“In the coming days, we will be announcing our new exciting digital initiative for this year’s Pink Test, which will mean people can get involved, no matter whether they are in the stadium or watching from home,” he added.