XtraTime Web Desk: Former Australia captain Mark Taylor wants the forthcoming Boxing Day test match between India and Australia shifted from Melbourne Cricket Ground in the wake of rising coronavirus cases in Melbourne. Taylor wants the iconic test match to be shifted to venues like Perth or Adelaide where the situation is under control.
In an interview to Australian broadcaster Channel 9, Taylor said, “Could it move? Obviously, because if you look at what is happening across Australia by Christmas time the MCG may only be able to host 10,000 or 20,000 people which will not look great for an iconic test like Australia and India.”
“You move that to Optus stadium in Perth or even Adelaide Oval you will get full venues. Adelaide in particular loves seeing the Indians play. The India-Pakistan game in the World Cup sold out in 52 mins or something,” he added.
Last month, Western Australia Cricket Association (WACA) chief Christina Matthews had lashed out at
Perth being left out from hosting any matches in the India Australia series. Taylor believes WACA will look to seize the opportunity to host Virat-Kohli and his men.
“Those venues especially Perth will be trying hard to get that game as it would look better with full crowds.”
The Optus stadium can sit 60,000 supporters and is regarded as the best venue in Australia outside the MCG. Earlier this week red-ball skipper Tim Paine had also expressed fears that the Boxing Day Test could indeed be shifted from Melbourne.