India vs Australia: “First Test can be played with red-ball in Brisbane or Melbourne,” says Josh Hazlewood

India vs Australia: “First Test can be played with red-ball in Brisbane or Melbourne,” says Josh Hazlewood
Josh Hazlewood
Josh Hazlewood

The much-awaited day-night India vs Australia first Test was set to take place in Adelaide on December 17. But now doubts are being caste over the venue after the COVID-19 outbreak in Adelaide. South Australia is going in a six-day lockdown.

Australian bowler, Josh Hazlewood thinks that a pink-ball Test should only be played at the Adelaide Oval. He suggested the opening Test can be a red-ball contest and later a pink-ball match can be played in Adelaide. “He (curator Damian Hough) has got the wicket perfect at Adelaide for a pink-ball Test,” he said as quoted by cricket.au.in.

“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,” The 29 year old added.

He suggested that the first Test can be played at Brisbane or Melbourne instead.

“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,” he said.

Cricket Australia (CA) is not currently looking for alternate venues. But Hazlewood said if the venue was to be changed, Brisbane’s Gabba ground would be the players’ preferred ground. It is the traditional home of the first Test of the summer.

“We obviously have a really good record up there and it’s a great place to start,” he said. He further added that India vs Australia First Test at Brisbane would help all the pacers. It will keep getting hotter as the summer progresses. “The longer we wait the hotter it gets up there, so the quicks would all be happy to get that game done in December,” he said.

India vs Australia First Test will be Virat Kohli’s only Test in the series

Virat Kohli in the Nottingham Test 2018
Virat Kohli

The India vs Australia first Test will be Virat Kohli’s only Test in the bilateral series. It will begin on Decemeber 29. After the first Test the India captain will return home on a paternity leave.

During the 2018-19 series, India managed to record their first Test series win on Australian soil. The Indian team eventually won the series 2-1. Now, the Men in Blue will lock horns with the Australian team in 3 ODIs, 3 T20s and 4 Test matches.

The first ODI is slated to be on November 27 in Sydney. As of now, the 4th Test match between the two teams will be played at the Gabba (Brisbane Cricket Ground).

Also Read: India vs Australia Test: CA committed to host a day-night Test in Adelaide