COVID-19 Cases Increasing In Adelaide Threat Over First Test Between Australia And India
Adelaide Pitch. Image Credit: Getty Images.

The first Test match of the Test series between India and Australia is scheduled to begin on December 17 in Adelaide. The venue has, recently, reported an increasing number of cases as clouds loom large on the smooth running of the series. Although still one month is left before the start of the series.

On Monday, November 14, Queensland’s state government stated that those who are returning from South Australia since November 9 would have to undergo mandatory COVID-19 testing and a quarantine period of 14 days.

Notably, the Adelaide Oval will host the maiden pink-ball Test between India and Australia.

Cricket Australia invites spectators in Test series, Adelaide set for the first Test:

Virat Kohli (India) vs Tim Paine (Australia)
Virat Kohli and Tim Paine. Image Credit: Getty Images.

Apart from Adelaide, the other venues for the last three Test matches are- Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. Initially, Melbourne was also being excluded from hosting the match because of increasing cases in Victoria, but the government have controlled the infectious virus.

Moreover, Cricket Australia has allowed spectators in the stadium but under certain restrictions. Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) and Adelaide Oval will be holding 50 per cent of their total capacity and the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) around 25,00 spectators per day for their boxing day Test.

The Gabba at Brisbane will host crowds 75 per cent of its total capacity. Seating capacities at the SCG, Adelaide Oval and Gabba are 48,000, 53,50 and 42,000 respectively.

As per CA, the venue capacities might change according to the latest development around COVID-19.

Team India Begins Preparation For Pink Ball Test Against Australia In Dubai
Team India. Image Credit: Getty Images.

Meanwhile, after passing all the COVID-19 tests, Team India has started outdoor training in Sydney. Apart from Test series, they will also play three matches ODI series and as many T20I series.