Australia vs India 2020: Melbourne Most Likely To Host The Third Test Too After Disturbing COVID Numbers In Sydney
Published - 22 Dec 2020, 02:53 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:38 AM
The recent COVID-19 outbreak in Sydney could force Cricket Australia to conduct the third Test against India in Melbourne. The Melbourne Cricket Ground will host the Boxing Day Test or the second one between Australia and India with Sydney booked as the venue for the third. However, a sudden upsurge of cases could see the iconic MCG stage the third Test as well.
The third Test in Sydney will start from the 3rd of January 2021 and Cricket Australia’s interim CEO Nick Hockley seemed confident of hosting it. While Melbourne remained in the mix and they also considered Brisbane as the venue for the third Test and Sydney for the fourth, MCG looks the most likely venue for the third match now. CA did announce that a change in the itinerary was not expected.
Nevertheless, as per a report from the News Indian Express, things have changed drastically in the last 24 hours. Cricket Australia feels that it might not be safe to keep the third Test in Sydney. The Indian team has already landed in Melbourne while the CA airlifted the likes of David Warner and Sean Abbott out of Sydney last Saturday. As per a BCCI official, Cricket Australia will reveal their final decision shortly.
“The CA feels Melbourne is a safe option under the circumstances because the safety of the players and the staff is paramount. They are in regular touch with the BCCI and the venue should be finalised soon,” a BCCI official said as quoted by News Indian Express.
India will look to bounce back in Melbourne:
Meanwhile, Australia took a lead of 1-0 in the four-match series by beating India in Adelaide by eight wickets. India suffered an unthinkable collapse in the second innings as Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins skittled them for 36 before chasing the required target of 90 on the third day. With the regular captain, Virat Kohli set to miss the next three Tests; the visitors would inevitably under pressure to bounce back.
Also Read: It Was Pretty Well Bowled: Steve Smith On His Dismissal In The First Test
