On Tuesday, Cricket Australia (CA) confirmed that they will be retaining Sydney as the host for the third Test against India, ending speculation that the game will be hosted in Melbourne because of stringent COVID-19 border restrictions that would have affected the players’ movement for the fourth match in Brisbane.  The third Test is to be held from January 7 and the series is currently leveled at 1-1 after India won the second Test in Melbourne.

Talking about the same as per the quotes in ‘cricket.com.au’, CA CEO, Nick Hockley said, “Despite the many challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, I am delighted to say Cricket Australia remains on track to deliver the men’s international series as scheduled.”

The fourth and final Test is scheduled from January 15 in Brisbane, Queensland, which has placed strict border restrictions for people arriving from Sydney.

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Elaborating the same, Hockley said, “We have met regularly over the past week to assess the unfolding public health situation in Sydney and gauge its impact on border restrictions around the country,” Hockley said.”…To that end, we have made the decision to keep the New Year’s Test at the SCG, which has a wonderful recent history of hosting the Pink Test and Jane McGrath Day on the third day of play.”

The “Pink Test” has become a tradition at the Sydney Cricket Ground and in its 12th year, it had generated 1.2 million Australian dollars for the McGrath Foundation last summer, a charity set up by former fast bowler, Glenn Mcgrath to support breast cancer patients.

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Talking about the s pink Test, McGrath explained, “We are thrilled the Vodafone Pink Test will still take place at the SCG. It is the home of the Pink Test and the spirit and support of the crowd at the SCG have become a huge part of the Pink Test atmosphere. In the coming days, we will be announcing our new exciting digital initiative for this year’s Pink Test, which will mean people can get involved, no matter whether they are in the stadium or watching from home.”