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Big Bash teams on the move to Melbourne

3 minute read

Big Bash League teams will move to Melbourne with several games also transferring to Victoria in a bid to keep the season alive through COVID-19 outbreaks.

Picture: Scott Barbour/Getty Images

Cricket Australia will play three Big Bash double-headers in Victoria in a bid to make up games lost through COVID-19 outbreaks.

Officials confirmed on Saturday all teams will be housed in Melbourne, as part of a plan first revealed last week.

Matches will still be played around the country, with fly-in fly-out events in Brisbane, Adelaide and Sydney in the next week.

No games will however be played in Tasmania, with Hobart's home clash against the Sydney Thunder moved to the MCG.

A return clash between the teams, which was meant to be held at Sydney's Spotless Stadium, has also been moved to Melbourne.

Double-headers will in turn be played at the MCG on Monday, in Geelong on Tuesday and then Marvel Stadium on Thursday.

By week's end, 11 matches would have been played with only the postponed clash between Brisbane and the Sydney Sixers still to be made up.

"The past week has thrown many COVID-related challenges the Big Bash's way," BBL boss Alistair Dobson said.

"But throughout we have remained steadfast in our resolve to safely and successfully complete the season.

"These changes are designed to help the league and clubs deliver on this while also reducing risks to players, support staff and the matches themselves.

"Having our players based in one state provides significantly greater flexibility to manage any further impacts of COVID-19."

Every team in the competition has been impacted by COVID-19, with the exception of the Adelaide Strikers who are yet to have a player contract the virus.

Brisbane remain the most impacted with 12 players confirmed as positive, as well as a member of their coaching staff.

The Melbourne Stars have also had a dozen players miss two matches, but they will have the majority of their men back for Monday's clash with the Strikers.

Meanwhile the final remaining WNCL match for this month has also been postponed, with ACT unable to field a team against NSW.

It makes for a fifth game postponed this weekend, with Australia's women's stars struggling to get any game time before this month's Ashes.

REVISED BBL SCHEDULE (all times AEDT unless stated):

January 10, 2:10pm: Hobart Hurricanes v Sydney Thunder, MCG.

January 10, 7:15pm: Melbourne Stars v Adelaide Strikers, MCG.

January 11, 2:10pm: Perth Scorchers v Melbourne Stars, GMHBA Stadium.

January 11: 7:15pm: Melbourne Renegades v Sydney Sixers, GMHBA Stadium.

January 12, 6:15pm: Brisbane Heat v Adelaide Strikers, Gabba.

January 13, 3:45pm: Sydney Thunder v Hobart Hurricanes, Marvel Stadium.

January 13, 7:35pm: Melbourne Renegades v Melbourne Stars, Marvel Stadium.

January 14, 10:10am ACDT: Adelaide Strikers v Perth Scorchers, Adelaide Oval.

January 15, 10:10am ACDT: Adelaide Strikers v Melbourne Stars, Adelaide Oval.

January 15, 6:40pm: Sydney Sixers v Sydney Thunder, SCG.

January 16, 7:15pm: Melbourne Stars v Brisbane Heat, MCG.

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