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India OK with Gabba Test lockdown: CA boss

3 minute read

Australia and India's squads have tested negative for COVID-19 as Nathan Lyon urged players to 'suck it up' regarding protocols and just play in Brisbane.

Nathan Lyon.
Nathan Lyon. Picture: twitter

Cricket Australia boss Nick Hockley has rubbished speculation that India are unwilling to accept stricter biosecurity protocols and want two Tests in Sydney, while Nathan Lyon wants everybody to "suck it up" and stop complaining.

Australia and India's Test squads travelled from Melbourne to Sydney on Monday, having all returned negative COVID-19 tests after an apparent biosecurity breach involving some of the tourists.

The four-Test series continues at the SCG on Thursday, with CA agreeing to restrict capacity at the venue to 25 per cent amid increasing pressure to lock fans out entirely because of the city's coronavirus outbreak.

The fourth Test, slated to begin at the Gabba on January 15, is still reportedly causing major angst among the visiting squad.

The Queensland government has agreed to let both teams train and play in Brisbane but also mingle in communal areas of their hotel, which CA has booked out entirely as part of quarantine concessions.

The state's current restrictions on travellers from Sydney will otherwise be in place.

Both squads will also be under the same restrictions in Sydney.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is yet to formally complain but an unnamed source in India's bubble told Cricbuzz there remains much unease because players don't want to be treated like "animals in the zoo".

"We've had nothing formal from the BCCI to suggest anything other than they're supportive," CA chief executive Hockley told reporters.

"I can't really comment on speculation.

"We speak to our counterparts at the BCCI daily.

"Both teams have wanted to play the schedule as we've set out.

"We have clarified in the last 24 hours what the precise requirements are in Brisbane ... everyone is fully across that, and supportive."

SCG Trust boss Kerrie Mather wants the Gabba to host the final Test but confirmed her venue will have a pitch ready for the series finale as part of a "contingency plan".

The BCCI and CA have confirmed their respective squad members and support staff all had negative COVID-19 swabs on Sunday.

"I'm not even thinking about Plan B or not playing at the Gabba ... 100 per cent planning on going to Brissie and sticking with Plan A. We've heard nothing (to the contrary)," said Australia spinner Lyon.

"There's a few people from both squads who have been in a bubble for close to six months now but in my eyes it's a very small sacrifice.

"Let's just suck it up and get on with it.

"And stop complaining."

Lyon's plea came after a group of Indian players, including vice-captain Rohit Sharma, dined indoors away from their hotel.

A similar incident in coming days could potentially affect Queensland's quarantine concessions, which will be required for the series to finish at the Gabba.

"The players are being well briefed," Hockley said.

The BCCI is still investigating the episode but Sharma and every player involved is fully expected to be available for the third Test.

"People make mistakes, we get that," Lyon said.

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