After an increase in COVID-19 cases in South Australia, to avoid any probable disruption in the upcoming white-ball series against India, Cricket Australia airlifted its players and staff from Adelaide to New South Wale’s capital Sydney. On November 27, the Indian cricket team will play the first ODI of the 3-match series against the hosts at Sydney Cricket Ground and kick off the tour.
“CA has taken a pro-active approach and mobilized a number of people across the country over the past 24 hours to shore up our men’s domestic and international schedules,” said Nick Hockley, Cricket Australia’s Interim CEO. He added, “I would like to thank the players and staff for their understanding regarding the changes to their travel schedules and for their commitment to ensuring the summer of cricket is a huge success. I would also like to thank the various leadership groups across Australian cricket for coming together over the past 48 hours and taking quick, decisive action – made possible by thorough, cross-department contingency planning.”
The South Australia-based Big Bash League players also have been moved to a different base in Coffs Harbour in New South Wales. Although none of the domestic players visited the “hot spots” last week during the Sheffield Shield, according to the Australia cricket board, all players will have to undergo COVID-19 tests. Meanwhile, as a precautionary measure, Western Australia, Tasmania, and Queensland closed their borders with South Australia.
Source: Twitter (Cricket Australia)
Adelaide, the capital of South Australia has a lot of time before hosting its first BBL match on December 28 as the initial stage of the league will be played in Tasmania, New South Wales, and Queensland from December 10. However, Cricket Australia is still keen on hosting the first Test between India and Australia in Adelaide Oval as scheduled to begin on December 17.
“CA will continue to monitor the situation in South Australia and the resulting border restrictions around the country. As ever, we will remain agile in addressing the challenges presented by the pandemic and remain more confident than ever of hosting a safe and successful summer across all formats,” Hockley added.