Xtra Time Web Desk: Australia fast bowler Josh Hazlewood is eager to have the first test of the series against India at the Gabba if Adelaide Oval fails to host the Day Night test due to coronavirus crisis in Adelaide from December 17. With the South Australian Government acting swiftly and closing all its state borders, there is very less chances of the virus to spread. As per reports received on Thursday, there has been no cases which augurs well for the first test match to go ahead in Adelaide which is still less than a month away. Cricket Australia is leaving no stone unturned so as to stage the match at Adelaide Oval. However Australia speedster Josh Hazzlewood reckons the fast bowlers in the team would ideally want the first test to happen at Gabba, if Adelaide fails to host it.
“It probably would be (the Gabba) to be fair. I think the longer we wait the hotter it gets up there so the quicks would all be happy to get that game done in early December. We obviously have a really good record (in Brisbane) and it’s a great place to start,” Hazlewood told reporters in a virtual press conference.
Even though Hazlewood has no issues in playing at the Gabba, he feels the Pink-Ball Test should only be held at the Adelaide Oval due to nature of the wicket.
“He (curator Damian Hough) has got the wicket perfect at Adelaide for a pink-ball Test. A few grounds around Australia are too abrasive or too hard, such as the Gabba or Perth. Those wickets are too hard for a pink ball, it goes quite soft after a certain amount of time.
“Could be red ball (first Test in) Melbourne or Brisbane or somewhere, then we head back to Adelaide later on in the summer. From all reports we’re still good for Adelaide but it can always change… hopefully they can get on top of it in the next week or two,” Hazlewood said.