IND vs AUS: Tim Paine, Marnus Labuschagne, Others Airlifted From Adelaide to Sydney After COVID-19 Outbreak

IND vs AUS: The mega battle between Australia and India is just a few days away and Cricket Australia is leaving no stone unturned in organising the series in a virus-safe environment. Meanwhile, Cricket Australia on Tuesday airlifted their players, who are set to clash against India, to New South Wales’ (NSW) capital Sydney from South Australia’s capital Adelaide, where an upsurge in the number of Covid-19 cases has been observed.

Queensland and Tasmania in Western Australia have closed their borders with South Australia since Monday due to deteriorating conditions from Covid-19 in South Australia. In such a situation, the Australian Cricket Board took their white ball, test matches and Australia-A players safely from Adelaide to Sydney. There are $ 300 million (16 billion rupees) at stake in this series.

The players airlifted include Test team captain Tim Paine, batting sensation Marnus Labuschagne, Matthew Wade, Travis Head and Cameron Green among others.

If reports to be believed, Cricket Australia airlifted its players, coaches and administrators in 24 hours in order to keep their men’s team safe.

“CA has taken a proactive approach and mobilised a number of people across the country over the past 24 hours to shore up our men’s domestic and international schedules.

“I would like to thank the players and staff for their understanding regarding the changes to their travel schedules and for their commitment to ensuring the summer of cricket is a huge success.”

“CA will continue to monitor the situation in South Australia and the resulting border restrictions around the country.

“As ever, we will remain agile in addressing the challenges presented by the pandemic and remain more confident than ever of hosting a safe and successful summer across all formats,” CA’s interim chief executive Nick Hockley was quoted as saying by ‘ESPNCricinfo’.

CA’s interim chief executive Nick Hockley thanked all the players and staff who had to abruptly change their itinerary.

“I would also like to thank the various leadership groups across Australian cricket for coming together over the past 48 hours and taking quick, decisive action – made possible by thorough, cross-department contingency planning,” he said.

Team India has already reached Australia where they currently serving a mandatory 14-day quarantine. However, Cricket Australia (CA) has made special arrangements for the players to indulge in outdoor training activities near their base in Sydney.

The tour begins on November 27 when India face Australia in first of three ODIs, which will be followed by as many T20Is.