AUS vs IND: Back-to-Back Tests in Sydney among CA’s contingency plans

The recent Covid-19 cluster in Sydney has affected inter-state movement in Australia. Much speculation has been made about the schedule of the India-Australia Test series. The third Test was originally scheduled to be be held in Sydney whereas, the last test was to be played at the Gabba, in Brisbane. However, due to the covid-19 outbreak, Cricket Australia had earlier proposed to swap the Brisbane and Sydney Tests to allow more time for the borders to re-open.

There were also talks of staging back-t0-back Test Matches at the MCG, where the teams are currently preparing for the Boxing Day Test Match.  While that still remains a viable option, Cricket Australia has also come up with a third possible option. According to the plan, the third Test in Sydney will go ahead as per schedule on January 7, and the final match of the series will also be held at the SCG.

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CA is expected to come with a new schedule before the Boxing Day Test commences on December 26. One implication of dual Sydney Tests, is the availability of the Australian players who intend to take part in the KFC BBL after the last Test match. It is still uncertain whether the borders will remain open to NSW at that time.

Hopefully we can have the Test Match in Sydney: Nathon Lyon

Nathon Lyon, Australia’s off-spinner is all set to play his 100th Test match in the fourth Test against India. Lyon stated that he hopes CA can find a way to stage atleast one Test match at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground.

“It’s a difficult one to answer,” Lyon said. “I know CA is doing everything in their power that the third Test match is in Sydney and hopefully all things go well up in Sydney and more importantly a lot of people stay safe and get well and fingers crossed the third Test match can be at the SCG. But that’s all in the hands of everyone above my pay grade and all I know is CA is doing everything they possibly can. Fingers crossed everyone stays safe, especially over this special time of year.”

“It’s been a pretty adaptable year for everyone around the world. It’s out of our hands and I’m just hoping that everyone in Sydney are getting safe and staying safe over this festive time of the year and I know CA is doing everything in their power to hopefully have the Test match in Sydney,” Lyon added.