The opening Day-Night Test to be held in Adelaide from December 17 to 21 came under the Covid-19 threat after fresh cases of coronavirus were reported in clusters from the South Australian city earlier in the month.
There were reports floating around in the Australian cricketing circles over Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) or Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) being considered as the alternate venues to hold the pink-ball Test with the coronavirus threat looming large over Adelaide.
Adelaide state's chief public health officer also admitted this week that there was no guarantee the city could host the match.
The recent development over easing of lockdown norms in Adelaide comes as a major relief for the organizers who were a bit jittery after rising concerns of hosting the Test series opener at The Oval following the recent surge of Covid-19 cases.
Cricket Australia Firm On Their Stand On Adelaide Hosting The Opener Encounter of 4-Match Aus-India Test Series
Cricket Australia have remained committed to their stand of hosting the opening Test of the Australian summer at Adelaide Oval, and have not come out with any back up plans as of now.
The opening of the neighbouring Victoria’s border, which was shut for just two days initially on Thursday, will also come as a major boost to Adelaide staging the opening Test.
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South Australia’s police commissioner Grant Stevens indicated that if the latest Covid-19 hit cluster in Adelaide could be contained as planned, the border restrictions with Victoria might be eased from December 1.
Adelaide Oval has etched its name as one of the most conducive wickets to hold Day-night Tests with pink ball ever since this new concept has been introduced in the longer format of the game.
The previous day night Tests played at the historic venue have seen a level playing field between the willow and the pink cherry during the late evening sessions.
India will take on Australia in 4 Tests for the Border Gavaskar Trophy, with the opening encounter scheduled to be held at the Adelaide Oval from December 17. The 4-match Test series will begin post the culmination of the one day international and T20 leg of the tour.