The provincial government in Queensland has given a strong message to the touring Indian team regarding their reservations towards adhering to the strict COVID-19 guidelines in the state during the scheduled fourth Test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar trophy at the Gabba. The representative of the local government has stated that the Indian team is more than welcome to not travel to Brisbane for the Test if they are having trouble in following the state’s COVID-19 quarantine guidelines.
Today I was asked about reports the Indian Cricket Team wants quarantine restrictions eased just for them, ahead of the upcoming Gabba Test. My response 👇 #Cricket #IndiavsAustralia @ICC @CricketAus pic.twitter.com/MV7W0rIntM
— Ros Bates MP (@Ros_Bates_MP) January 3, 2021
“If the Indians don’t want to play by the rules, don’t come,” said Ros Bates, who is the state’s Health Shadow Minister. The final Test of the four-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy is scheduled to be contested at The Gabba in Brisbane from January 15-19.
Earlier it was widely reported in the Australian as well as Indian media that that the Ajinkya Rahane-led Indian side is not willing to travel to Brisbane if players are asked to undergo quarantine in the hotel despite serving the 14-day mandatory period for their lengthy tour Down Under. Sources within the team believe that any further restrictions on the team members can affect them mentally. Hence, the visitors would prefer to play the Test match at the Sydney Cricket Ground, which is also hosting the third Test from January 7.