The third Test in Australia’s Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against India will stay at the SCG, after officials were satisfied by the NSW Government’s COVID-19 measures.
Key points:
- After days of meetings, Cricket Australia confirmed the New Year’s Test would be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground
- Cricket Australia’s Interim CEO Nick Hockley was confident the third and fourth Test would be played safely
- The McGrath Foundation’s biggest fundraiser will also still be held on day three of the Test
Cricket Australia confirmed the decision to keep the New Year’s Test at its traditional venue after several days of meetings that considered the impacts of the recent COVID-19 outbreak in Sydney.
Cricket Australia’s Interim CEO Nick Hockley said health advice from the NSW Government had informed today’s decision.
“Despite the many challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, I am delighted to say Cricket Australia remains on track to deliver the men’s international series as scheduled,” Mr Hockley said.
“We have met regularly over the past week to assess the unfolding public health situation in Sydney and gauge its impact on border restrictions around the country.
Cricket Australia will put in place appropriate biosecurity measures to ensure the safety of the matches.
“We especially thank the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for their continued support of the original schedule, as our respective teams compete in the most enthralling series,” Mr Hockley also said.
“It must not be forgotten that NSW Government and Sydney Cricket Ground provided exceptional support to bring India’s squad safely into the country and stage the brilliant Dettol ODI and T20I Series to start the men’s international season.
“I would also like to thank the Victorian Government and Melbourne Cricket Club for hosting a wonderful Boxing Day Test, not to mention their support over recent days in providing a strong contingency plan for the third Test, whilst we completed our due diligence.
Mr Hockley said the SCG event had “a wonderful recent history of hosting the Pink Test and Jane McGrath Day on the third day of play”.
McGrath Foundation cofounder and president Glenn McGrath said he was “thrilled” the Test would still take place at the SCG.
“In the coming days, we will be announcing our new exciting digital initiative for this year’s Pink Test, which will mean people can get involved, no matter whether they are in the stadium or watching from home,” he said.
“The Vodafone Pink Test is one of our key fundraising events of the year, so we hope people across Australia will help keep the ‘pink’ in the Pink Test and show their support by visiting pinktest.com.au to find out how they can get involved.”
Venues NSW boss Kerrie Mather echoed the jubilant sentiment.
“The New Year’s Test is our most important event of the year and the one that is most looked forward to by our loyal fans and members. This is a just reward for their considerable sacrifices this year,” she said.
“The SCG will work closely with the NSW Government and Cricket Australia to maintain its impeccable record in protecting the safety of players, staff, fans and members.”
