The first Test of the much-awaited series between India and Australia is likely to go on as per schedule in Adelaide despite a second-wave of Covid-19 in the city. Cricket Australia have insisted that the first Pink-Ball Test is very much on track to be held in Adelaide, despite Western Australia, Queensland, and Tasmania shutting their borders with Adelaide after terming it a “hotspot”.
Covid-19 cases rose from 4 to 18 in the city on Monday, which forced the major states in the country to take the decision. It also forced Sheffield Shield cricketers from Tasmania and Western Australia to remain in a 14-day quarantine after returning from Adelaide, including Matthew Wade, Tim Paine, Cameron Green, and Ashton Agar.
The major issue for CA currently is to get Green and Agar to Sydney for the first T20I that will be held in Sydney on November 27.
Fortunately for Adelaide, Victoria has not yet shut its borders with Adelaide and has not prescribed a 14-day quarantine for the tourists traveling from the city, which will mean that the cricketers can easily travel from Adelaide to Melbourne post the first Test. The Australian Test squad will assemble in Adelaide on December 10, while the Indians will reach the city from Sydney on December 14.
In case Adelaide is unable to host the first Test, SCG could be in the race to host the game as the Indians will already be in the city and will be taking part in a warm-up game. However, CA believes that a last-minute shift would not be required with medical staff and contact tracers working round the clock to curtail the spread of the coronavirus.