After the conclusion of the IPL, team India is slated to play a three-match T20I followed by four-match Test series in Australia. Now it is being observed that the tour will either begin in Adelaide or Brisbane. Earlier the tour was set to kick start in Perth but now due to COVID-19, Western Australia state government has declared that there won’t be any relaxation in quarantine rules in their territory.
As a result, the first match of the tour is likely to take place in either Adelaide or Brisbane. Also due to the less number of coronavirus cases in South Australia and Queensland chances of them hosting the first match between India and Australia later this year look high.
India tour of Australia to begin in Adelaide or Brisbane
As per a report in ESPNCricinfo, the Adelaide Oval can host back-to-back Tests. It includes a day-night match as well as the Boxing Day against India later during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy if the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is not feasible because of rising coronavirus cases in the state of Victoria.
“We didn’t think it was acceptable to have the team return from a high-risk overseas location and then take part in normal training activities outside of quarantine, before flying out to another state to play games.” Mark McGowan, the Premier of the WA state government said.
“There were just too many risks in the model put forward by Cricket Australia. We need to remain vigilant and do the right thing by all Western Australians and not take unnecessary chances”, he further added.
Meanwhile, Cricket Australia also confirmed that the Australian team will not be undergoing their quarantine period in Perth due to the firm stand of Western Australia on quarantine.
Furthermore, the Board Of Control For Cricket In India (BCCI) had earlier requested the Australian board to allow the India players to train during their quarantine period inside the bio bubble at Perth. However, they will not have permission to do the same.
“We acknowledge the WA government has a firm position on quarantine and border arrangements. The Australian men’s team will not be quarantined in Perth upon their return from the UK’, said Cricket Australia