Cricket Australia boss Nick Hockley has dismissed speculation that India is hesitant to travel to Brisbane from New South Wales for the 3rd Test, over the need to re-enter strict quarantine conditions.
Australian media, citing unnamed sources within India’s touring party, reported the team’s players would refuse to travel to Brisbane if they were to be subjected to a hard lockdown in Queensland state.
However, CA chief Hockley said the Indian cricket board (BCCI) was “fully across (and) supportive” of quarantine requirements in Queensland.
“We speak to our counterparts at the BCCI daily,” he told reporters in Sydney on Monday.
“We’ve had nothing formal from the BCCI to suggest anything other than they’re supportive … Both teams have wanted to play the schedule as we’ve set out.”
Australia spin bowler Nathan Lyon called on players from both sides to “stop complaining” about touring in the COVID-19 “bubble”.
“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 are 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.”
The third Test in the four-match series will start at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Thursday after Cricket Australia decided not to move the match in the wake of an outbreak of COVID-19 in the city. The series is level at 1-1.