Ashes 2021-22: Boxing Day Test To Have A Capacity Crowd Despite Growing Omicron Concerns

The Boxing Day Ashes Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is expected to have a capacity crowd despite concerns over the new fast-spreading covid-19 variant Omicron, Victoria’s acting premier James Merlino revealed on Tuesday.

As per guidelines, there will be strict rules in place for the crowds to follow. Melbourne has a capacity of nearly 90,000 and the third Test will be the highest gathering of crowds ever since the pandemic struck back in 2020.

As of now, Melbourne Cricket Club chief executive Stuart Fox revealed that they are expecting a crowd of 70,000 according to ticket sales. Therefore, the fans have been asked to wear masks in packed areas.

“We’ve got the stadium prepped, a lot of protocols in place for Boxing Day, and we can’t wait to welcome fans back to cricket. With the huge build-up, we’re just keen to get going. We’re all used to wearing masks, and we’d encourage everyone to bring a mask at this point, and when you’re in congested areas we’d encourage you to wear it,” Fox was quoted as saying by The Guardian.

The protocols that are in place include “checks for vaccination certificates at the gate, QR codes on entry and at some restaurants in the Members Reserve, cashless systems at bars and restaurants, and no entry for children under 12 unless accompanied by a vaccinated adult.”

“We probably shouldn’t be having the Ashes event” – Nancy Baxter

Melbourne School of Population and Global Health head, Nancy Baxter, believes that the Ashes Test should not be held but if it is going to go ahead anyway, it’s best to follow protocols and carry masks to the stadium.

“If they’re going ahead then masks should be used. No one is personally responsible for a pandemic. Scott Morrison used the analogy of skin cancer. My use of sunscreen doesn’t affect your risk of skin cancer. My wearing a mask affects your chances of contracting Covid.”

“It’s a long day, people will eat and drink, which means that even people who are wearing masks will take them off. People will be shouting, people will be breathing each other’s air. If it’s important for people in Melbourne, if we want a safe event that everyone can enjoy – we probably shouldn’t be having the event, but we for sure should be wearing masks,” Baxter mentioned.

Australia‘s Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, has also requested the people to use “common sense” and follow protocols to a tee.

Also, Read – Ashes 2021-22: Can’t Remember A Worst Touring Squad Than England; Feel Sorry for The Touring Team- Ed Cowan