India vs Australia: Sydney confirmed to host the third Test

India vs Australia: Sydney confirmed to host the third Test
Sydney Cricket Ground
Sydney Cricket Ground

The Boxing Day clash between India and Australia concluded on Tuesday with the visitors levelling the four-match series with a massive 8 wicket margin. The third Test is scheduled to begin on 7 January and has been confirmed to go ahead as originally planned in Sydney.

A new surge of COVID-19 cases in New South Wales raised doubts over Sydney hosting the third Test. Cricket Australia had kept Melbourne on hold. By the end of the Boxing day Test, it was reported that the MCG had been all but confirmed to host. But CA interim CEO Nick Hockley remained committed to Sydney according to a report in Fox Cricket.

However, it has now been confirmed that the third Test between the modern-day rivals will be conducted in Sydney. The third Test will play a crucial role in the four-match series as each side has won one game.

Players will train while in quarantine for Brisbane Test

Brisbane Gabba
Brisbane Gabba

Cricket Australia was in talks with the NSW authorities and the Queensland government over the past couple of weeks. The final decision was taken after CA ensured that the players, support staff and coaches would be able to travel to Brisbane after the Sydney Test.

The Queensland government has imposed strict regulations to curb the infection of COVID-19. And despite CA’s multiple attempts, they couldn’t get approval to allow players to not quarantine. But now the players will have to remain and train in quarantine ahead of the final Test in Brisbane.

Meanwhile, there is still no clarity on how many spectators will be allowed to watch the third Test in Sydney. Cricket NSW is hoping the health officials will allow half the stadium to be full. The final decision is expected to be taken in the first week of January 2021.

The Test match between India and Australia at the SCG during the 2018-19 tour was washed out due to rain. The Virat Kohli-led side had sealed the series by 2-1 then. India will now be hoping to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the same venue.

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