Cricket Australia on Thursday said Melbourne has been placed on standby to host the third Test between India and Australia if Sydney’s Covid-19 situation renders it “untenable” despite efforts being made to continue with the original schedule.
The fate of the third Test has been shrouded in uncertainty since earlier this month after a fresh Covid-19 outbreak in the northern beaches in Sydney, which is scheduled to host the third Test from January 7.
“CA has reaffirmed its commitment to giving it the best chance to play the third Vodafone Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground and the fourth Vodafone Test at the Gabba as per the original schedule,” CA said in a statement.
“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 Vodafone Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground followed by the fourth Vodafone Test at the Gabba,” it added.
A final decision on the third Test venue would be made during the Boxing Day Test.