Xtra Time Web Desk: Fresh cases of COVID-19 spikes in South Australia have put doubts on the much anticipated Day Night test match between India and Australia. The South Australian Government is thinking about closing the state border in order to control the spreading of the virus. Tasmania has already closed its borders to other Australian states on Monday.
The new cases of COVID-19 in South Australia have put the first test match between India and Australia in doubts. The outbreak has forced dozens of people into isolation and seen several businesses close.
Cricket Australia is monitoring the crisis and is in touch with the South Australian Government.
Even players who were playing in Sheffield Shied including Australian test captain Tim Paine has been asked to go into home quarantine.
“Fingers-crossed that is only a small cluster and they get on top of that because the health and wellbeing of people is paramount,” Former Australia coach and current Brisbane Heat boss Darren Lehmann said in a virtual conference for the rule changes that has been introduced by Cricket Australia for the upcoming BBL.
“I’m sure CA will do a really good job of managing through those processes because it will now be a logistical nightmare”, Lehman added
It is learnt if Adelaide is unable to stage the pink-ball clash, Sydney is the natural replacement. Both the Indian and Australian teams (player’s part of IPL 2020) are already in Sydney quarantining them after arriving from UAE. One major fear for cricket authorities would be if the relaxing of border restrictions is delayed as it will jeopardize the scheduling and create logistical problems. Another issue would be if further restrictions in South Australia were introduced, crowd sizes can be dropped. Current restrictions cap crowds at 50 per cent capacity, leaving 27,000 tickets available per day.