On Monday, Cricket Australia (CA) confirmed that a 25-percent crowd will be allowed at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) during the upcoming third Test between India and Australia, beginning January 7. CA and Venues New South Wales are working towards making sure that all the fans will be safe attending the Pink Test on January 7, with a crowd capacity limited to 25 percent initially.
In order to deliver the changes which include a revised socially distanced seating plan, the match will now be re-ticketed. All current ticket holders will receive a full refund, including all associated costs such as ticket insurance. Informing the same, Nick Hockley, CA’s Interim CEO, said that the safety of fans, staff, players, broadcast partners, and match officials will completely be prioritizing for the third Test at the SCG as we continue to listen to the advice of NSW Health.
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In an official press release regarding the same, Cricket Australia chief said, “In response to the public health situation in NSW, we are working closely with Venues NSW and NSW Health to put appropriate biosecurity measures in place for our staff, players, match officials, broadcasters and fans to ensure we play the third Test at the SCG safely.”
He further added, “Reducing the capacity of the venue is crucial in achieving social distancing requirements, and we sincerely thank ticketholders for their patience, as we process refunds today, reconfigure the SCG seating plan to deliver these social distancing measures and go back on sale.”
Tony Shepherd, Venues NSW Chair, said that the SCG has been taking significant measures to ensure the safety of fans attending the third Test.
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Elaborating on the same, Sheppard said, “There are extensive protocols being enacted for the upcoming Test, including increased cleaning, customer service, and security staff, along with dedicated social distancing marshals.”
Sydney had witnessed a sudden spike in COVID-19 cases and the fate of the third Test was doubted by many, but Cricket Australia laid all speculations to rest by confirming that the third Test would indeed go ahead at Sydney.
