The third Test between India and Australia is all set to be played in Melbourne due to the recent Covid-19 outbreak in Sydney. In a massive boost for the visitors ahead of the New Year’s encounter, star opener Rohit Sharma will fly from Sydney on Wednesday (December 30) and join the team in Melbourne.
According to ANI, sources in Cricket Australia said that Sharma will be flown to Melbourne and will directly enter team India’s bio-secure bubble.
“Yes, he will be flown to Melbourne by CA on Wednesday as the third game is almost set to take place at the MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground) with an eye on the coronavirus outbreak,” the source said.
Cricket Australia’s interim CEO, Nick Hockley, had stated last week that the board has strong emergency plans in place if the situation in Sydney deteriorates. He also mentioned that everyone’s wellbeing is their number one priority.
“Should the public health situation in NSW render playing in Sydney untenable, CA’s preferred contingency plan is to work with the victorian government to play the third Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground followed by the fourth Test at the Gabba,” CA said.
“We have always maintained that scheduling a full summer of cricket during a global pandemic would require agility, problem-solving and teamwork like never before. We continue to place the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved as our number one priority. The record testing numbers and the drop in new community transmissions in NSW have provided cause for optimism, however, if the situation in Sydney deteriorates, we have strong contingency plans in place.” Hockley said in a statement.