Australia’s test series against India is in jeopardy after reports that the tourists were unhappy with the prospect of returning to a tight quarantine for Brisbane’s fourth and final game; the third Test in a four-match series is expected to begin at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Thursday
Last updated: 04/01/21 6:54 am
India has reportedly threatened to boycott Brisbane Test to begin on 15 January
Australian Cricket leader Nick Hockley has dismissed the notion that India is measuring a boycott of the fourth Test in Brisbane over the need to re-enter a tight quarantine situation.
Australian media reported, citing anonymous sources within the India touring party, that the team’s players would refuse to travel to Brisbane if they were locked up in the state of Queensland.
Hockley said the Indian cricket board (BCCI) was “totally across (and) supportive” of quarantine requirements in Queensland.
“We talk to our peers at the BCCI every day,” he told reporters in Sydney on Monday.
“We had nothing formal from the BCCI to suggest anything but that they are supportive. Both teams have wanted to play the schedule as we have outlined.”
2:55 Covid’s restrictions meant the Boxing Day Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground had reduced crowds, but those in attendance still made enough noise, as Adam Collins found out
The third Test in the four-match series kicks off at Sydney Cricket Ground on Thursday, after Cricket Australia decided not to move the match after a COVID-19 revolution in the city. The level range is at 1-1.
Queensland has closed its border with New South Wales, where Sydney is the capital, but has agreed to allow the players to travel to Brisbane for the fourth Test on January 15, while agreeing to hold to strict biosecurity protocols.
Five Indian players are under investigation by Cricket Australia and the BCCI for possible breaches of health protocols after a video surfaced of them at a restaurant in Melbourne.
Rohit Sharma is one of five Indian players splitting in Melbourne following a possible biosecure breakdown
The team and BCCI have refused to publicly support Brisbane ‘s quarantine plan or comment on the investigation, although the BCCI said in a brief statement Monday that all players and staff have been evicted from COVID-19.
Australian bowler Nathan Lyon has called on players from all sides to “stop complaining” about touring the COVID-19 “bubble”.
“There are a few people from both teams who have been in a bubble for almost six months now but in my eyes it’s a very small sacrifice,” he told reporters on Monday.
“Let’s take him in and get on with it.”