The Sydney Test between India and Australia which is the third Test of the series will see a reduction of crowds by 25 percent for the five days. Crowds were already reduced by 50 percent but with speculations that SCG might host back to back Test matches after India’s reluctance to travel to Brisbane, Cricket Australia has decided to reduce even more to maintain social distancing. The third Test in Sydney starts from January 7.
The SCG had already been reduced to 50% capacity because of restrictions in place for the coronavirus pandemic and Cricket Australia has halved that again — to a crowd of less than 10,000 daily — after consulting with the state government and health authorities.
Also Read: 5 Isolated Indian Players To Travel With The Team To Sydney: Reports
Crowds Reduced To 25 Percent For Sydney Test: Nick Hockley
“Reducing the capacity of the venue is crucial in achieving social distancing requirements,” Cricket Australia interim chief executive Nick Hockley said in a statement Monday outlining refunds and a ticket re-sale period.
“To date, we have been able to deliver a safe and successful summer of cricket thanks to our detailed biosecurity protocols, the cooperation and support of public health officials and the hard work of so many people behind the scenes” he further added.
Meanwhile, the five Indian players who were asked to isolate themselves will also travel with the squad to Sydney. Both the Indian and the Australian team are expected to travel to Sydney on January 4, Monday. The third Test starts at the SCG from January 07. The series is 1-1 at the moment after India’s win at the MCG in the second Test.
Cricket Australia Chief Nick Hockley has also denied reports of the Indian team’s unwillingness to play the final Test at The Gabba in Brisbane. He stated that the BCCI was ‘fully supportive’ of quarantine requirements in Queensland.
Also Read: SCG Likely To Host Back to Back Test Matches