Adelaide Oval To Serve As The Quarantine And Training Center For Australian Players

The Adelaide Oval will serve as the quarantine center for the members of the Australian team who will be returning home following the culmination of the three-match One-day International series in England after an agreement was reached between Cricket Australia and the South Australia government on allowing players to train during the quarantine period.

Initially, the planning was to make Perth as the quarantine base for the returning contingent but it did not materialize after the Western Australia government denied the permission of training during quarantine.

The returning contingent will make use of the newly-built on-site hotel at the ground and the same model of bio-bubble will be set up in Adelaide like the one used at the Ageas Bowl, Derbyshire, and Old Trafford for the English summer.

“We would like to thank the South Australian Government and the South Australian Cricket Association for approving CA’s proposal for the return of the Australian men’s team. CA is committed to staging a safe and successful summer and today’s agreement with the authorities in South Australia is a positive step towards achieving that. The health and safety of the South Australian community is our highest priority and the guiding principle in our planning,” Nick Hockley, the CA chief executive was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo.

“International travel in the time of a global pandemic presents many challenges, and we deeply appreciate the efforts of everyone in the SA Government, SACA and CA for working through these in a constructive, cooperative manner. There is so much to look forward to this summer, and plenty of work going on behind the scenes to ensure that happens. Today’s announcement will allow the Australian men’s squad to safely stay in Adelaide while also maintaining their training loads for the big season ahead.” he added.

Also Read- Western Australia Denies Changes To Quarantine Relaxation For The India-Australia Series

Adelaide Oval set to host India-Australia Test series opener

Just like the bio-secure centers in Manchester, Southampton, and Derbyshire, the Adelaide Oval could become a major hub of the Australian summer this year. The iconic venue is likely to host the series opener against India and besides that, it could also serve as a standby venue for the Boxing Day Test if the situation in Victoria does not improve.

“Cricket Australia and SA Health have both worked hard to make this happen and today’s announcement will pave the way for a massive summer of cricket right here at Adelaide Oval.” Steven Marshall, South Australian premier said.

“Rest assured we have undergone rigorous procedures with Premier Steven Marshall and the SA Government, to ensure the safety of the public and the players. Our hope is that the Oval Hotel can continue to be used in the successful staging of international cricket this season,” Keith Bradshaw, the SACA Chief Executive, said.

The Indian-Australian series is expected to the jewel in the crown of the Australian home season this summer. The Virat Kohli-led unit will travel Down Under for a full tour, which includes six white-ball internationals [3 ODIs & 3 T20Is] and four ICC Test Championship matches.