India vs Australia Series 2020-21: Cricket Australia confirms MCG as standby venue for third Test


India vs Australia Series 2020-21: Cricket Australia confirms MCG as standby venue for third Test

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Melbourne Cricket Ground

Cricket Australia (CA) on Thursday stated that Melbourne has been decided as the backup venue for the third Test match between India and Australia. CA took this decision after the fresh outbreak of COVID-19 cases in New South Wales depleting the chances of playing the New Year’s match in Sydney. The SCG, Sydney is currently scheduled to host the third game from January 7, 2021.

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“CA has reaffirmed its commitment to giving it the best chance to play the third Vodafone Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground and the fourth Vodafone Test at the Gabba as per the original schedule,” CA said in a statement.

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“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 Vodafone Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground followed by the fourth Vodafone Test at the Gabba,” it added.

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‘CA closely working with the Queensland government’: Nick Hockley

Nick Hockley
Nick Hockley

Nick Hockley, the CA interim Chief Executive Officer, said that they are working closely with the Queensland Government to get exemptions. However, a final call on this would be taken during the Boxing Day Test match at the MCG. 

“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,” he added.

Both the sides will lock horns at The Gabba, Brisbane for the final match of this tour from January 15.

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