Xtra Time Web Desk: Cricket Australia has reaffirmed its commitment to giving it the best chance to play the third Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground and the fourth Test at the Gabba as per the original schedule. CA has strong biosecurity protocols in place and is working constructively with the Queensland Government to secure the requisite exemptions to enable players, match officials, broadcasters, media and staff to move from Sydney to Brisbane following the third Test should border restrictions remain in place at that time;
Should the public health situation in NSW render playing in Sydney untenable, CA’s preferred contingency plan is to work with the Victorian Government to play the third Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground followed by the fourth Test at the Gabba.
Nick Hockley, Cricket Australia’s Interim CEO, said CA is working closely with all relevant parties to ensure Australian Cricket completes a safe and successful Border-Gavaskar Trophy series as scheduled. Hockley said a final decision on the third Test venue would be made during the Boxing Day Test.
“We have always maintained that scheduling a full summer of cricket during a global pandemic would require agility, problem-solving and teamwork like never before,” Hockley said.
“We continue to place the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved as our number one priority.
“The record testing numbers and the drop in new community transmissions in NSW have provided cause for optimism, however if the situation in Sydney deteriorates, we have strong contingency plans in place.
“We are working constructively with the Queensland Government and have been encouraged by the positive nature of discussions with them. We thank the Queensland Government for their support.”