AUS vs IND: CA announces schedule, MCG keeps Boxing Day Test
Cricket Australia on Wednesday (October 27) announced the final itinerary for India’s tour of Australia that begins on November 27. With the lockdown in Victoria over, the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) retains the right to host the Boxing Day Test.
The much-anticipated tour Down Under officially begins on November 27 with the limited-overs leg. The Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) will host the first two ODIs, followed by Canberra that will host the final game. Both teams will then face off in the T20I series that also starts from Canberra and the moves to SCG on December 8.
India and Australia are slated to play a couple of practice games before the Border-Gavaskar Test series. One of those practices matches will be a day-night encounter to acclimatise both teams with the conditions. The Adelaide Oval will be in readiness to host the Test series opener, which will also be a pink-ball day-night affair.
The Indian contingent, led by Virat Kohli, will arrive in Sydney on November 12 after the 2020 IPL ends on November 10. They will then undergo a 14-day quarantine period and can train in groups as allowed by the New South Wales government.
Perth misses out
Interestingly, Australia begin their home season at Adelaide instead of their traditional venue, the Gabba in Brisbane. This is because the Queensland state health authorities didn’t agree to relax their 14-day quarantine period for Kohli & co to train. Similarly, Western Australia government’s strict policies mean that Perth will miss out on hosting Team India this time.
“We have worked closely with the BCCI for many months to bring this tour to life, and I cannot speak more highly of the professional, thorough and collaborative manner with which they have approached this tour in these extraordinary and complex times,” said Nick Hockley, CA’s Interim Chief Executive Officer.
“I would like to express my gratitude to everyone at the BCCI for the faith and support they have shown in the plan we have developed, which we believe will result in a safe and successful summer for all involved.
Crowds to attend Boxing Day Test
Cricket Australia are also planning to allow spectators inside the MCG to witness the historically traditional Boxing Day Test. Together with the Victorian government and MCC, CA will develop a ‘COVIDSafe’ plan to allow at least 25,000 people attend the Test match.
“In relation to the Boxing Day Test at the MCG, we are working with the Victorian Government and the Melbourne Cricket Club on plans to safely host spectators at the iconic event with details to be confirmed in due course,” Hockley said.
“The safety of the Australian community and all participants is our highest priority and we will continue to work with governments across Australia to ensure the schedule proceeds in line with relevant directions and biosecurity protocols.”
