With all the talk regarding Sydney losing out on the chance to hosting the third test between Australia and India due to the recent COVID upsurge, the Sydney Cricket Ground Trust has offered to host the fourth test too in a bid to save its New Year Fixture. SCG is scheduled to host the third test starting from January 7. However, recent reports said that it might lose out on the opportunity to host the match, due to the recent upswing in COVID cases.
There are concerns that Queensland may close its border with New South Wales, which will mean players and broadcasting crews will not be able to travel from Sydney to Brisbane between the third and fourth Tests.
“We can run two Tests if necessary, no problems at all,” Sydney Cricket and Sports Ground Trust chairman Tony Shepherd told ‘The Age’.
Also Read: SCG Test To Go On As Scheduled: Reports
Meanwhile, the Melbourne Cricket Ground, which will host the third test is the front runner to host the fourth test as well in case Sydney is scraped as the venue for the final test.
Sydney Cricket Ground Will Host 4th Test: Cricket Australia
However, Cricket Australia earlier said that it is committed to hosting the final test in Sydney and will bring the situation under control by the time the test match starts. There is still two weeks to go for the final test at the SCG.
“We’ve made it very clear to Cricket Australia we’re flexible and would be very, very disappointed to lose the Sydney Test. And that’s with the support of the NSW government,” Tony Shepherd said.
“The SCG is the most historic ground in Australia, the second most historic ground in the world. It’s a special place. The NSW government is very supportive of having the game, and will do everything we can to have it as a success,” Shepherd added.
A Queensland government source said that they are holding discussions with CA but hinted that the state will not review its border closure to Greater Sydney until January 8.
Also Read: Australia vs India 2020: Sanjay Manjrekar Wants Cheteshwar Pujara To Open in Melbourne
