AUSvsIND: Brisbane Test in doubt after Queensland announces lockdown
The uncertainty around the Brisbane Test has been growing ever since Team India expressed dissension over quarantine rules. Now, a new three-day lockdown in Queensland has become a hurdle as Cricket Australia makes efforts to stage the final Test in Brisbane. The lockdown was announced less than a day after officials from BCCI and CA engaged in a discussion on the relaxation of rules.
CA trying to determine the impact of lockdown
A fresh report in the Sydney Morning Herald highlighted the same. "Cricket Australia executives are urgently trying to determine the impact of a three-day lockdown in Brisbane on next week's fourth Test at the Gabba, which was already under a cloud because of India's hesitation to fly north and be subjected to tighter bio-security restrictions," it read.
A change might be required relating to the crowds
While Cricket Australia has been making arrangements to host 36,000 spectators, the incumbent health situation might enforce a change. "The health scare in the city, however, has left those attendance caps in jeopardy," the newspaper stated.
BCCI sought relaxation in strict protocols
On Thursday, the BCCI wrote to CA, seeking relaxation in stringent quarantine protocols of Brisbane. The Indian cricket board reminded CA that the visitors are done with the strict isolation that was agreed upon at the beginning of the tour. Notably, the quarantine rules in Brisbane shall restrict the players to their hotel rooms after the day's play.
Cricket Australia gives assurance to BCCI
Considering the same, Cricket Australia has verbally assured the Indians that "a deal" has been signed off by the Queensland Government to allow players and staff out of their rooms, to mingle together inside the hotel when not playing or training. However, it has been learned that the BCCI wants a written assurance on this matter.
The Test series has been surrounded with controversies
So far, the Border-Gavaskar series has been clad with a number of controversies. The alleged breach of protocols by five Indian players has been a major bone of contention of late, after they were seen in a Melbourne restaurant. A potential investigation is still underway regarding the same. Besides, it remains to be seen if Gabba will host the fourth Test as scheduled.
