The interim chief executive officer of Cricket Australia (CA), Nick Hockley said that the absence of team India captain Virat Kohli will not affect the home board financially.
Virat Kohli will play an only first day-night Test match in Adelaide, starting December 17 and will fly back to India to be with his wife Anushka Sharma who is going to give birth to their first child in January. In his absence, Ajinkya Rahane will lead the team in the remaining three test matches against the hosts.
“We absolutely respect Virat’s decision. We are delighted that he will captain the side in each of the ODIs and the T20s and the first Test,” Nick Hockley said during a chat facilitated by official broadcaster Sony.
“Virat leading the side here brings competitive leadership that we have seen during the last series and we have been accustomed to watching (that) during India’s performances all around the world. (But) no, nothing will have a financial bearing.”
Speaking on ease of quarantine rules by CA and BCCI for Kohli’s return Hockley said, “Quarantine arrangements are well described. In relation to Virat Kohli’s plans close to the first Test, we have made discussions.”
“This series is of great importance to world cricket and Australian cricket. It’s a testament to all cricketing nations that we could get international cricket up and running in a safe way. The series will be played in front of large crowds.”
Further, Hockley hinted of hosting a full series of day-night Tests in the near future. At the same time, he said that the December 17-21 pink-ball opener has gripped the fans.
“What I can say is that day/night test over last 3-4 seasons has become a much-loved feature of the Australia summer. The anticipation and excitement around this first-ever day/night Test against India have taken to a different level, given the rivalry.
“At this stage, we have not contemplated on a full day/night series but certainly Adelaide has become the home of first-day night test in Australia. There is a history there. We expect the Australian and Indian fans to travel for what will be a historic match,” said Nick Hockley.
India will play three ODIs, as many T20Is and four-Test match series against Australia. The clash will begin with the 1st ODI in Sydney on November 27. They will play the second ODI at the same venue two days later before moving to Canberra to play the final ODI and the first T20I on December 2 and 4 respectively. The first Test match will be played on December 17 in Adelaide.
