Brisbane to host Australia vs India fourth Test as per original plan

The fourth Test between Australia and India at Gabba, Brisbane will go as scheduled. The uncertainty surrounding the Test ended after the BCCI confirmed to Cricket Australia that they will travel to Brisbane on Tuesday.

India decided to stick to the original schedule as Queensland government assured that the hard lockdown forced by a new UK variant Covid-19 case will end on Monday.

It’s now also been revealed that the stadium will be allowed to fill by 50% of its capacity and masks will be mandatory for the spectators.

"The Gabba will be filled to half the capacity and masks are mandatory for entering, leaving and moving around the stadium," Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk was quoted as saying by cricketaustralia.com.au.

"But if you are sitting there at your seat, you won't have to wear your mask because you are outside. Most people will be coming by public transport anyway, where you will have to wear your mask,” said Palaszczuk

The issue picked up after Queensland closed its borders for people travelling from New South Wales in the wake of fresh COVID-19 cases in Sydney.

Indian cricketers were still exempted as they had been following a strict quarantine in Sydney. The matter took an uncertain turn only when a three-day lockdown was announced last week after the UK variant of COVID-19 was found in the city.

Now that there is clarity over the game happening in Brisbane, Cricket Australia has also released the crowd sitting plan.

"We have been working closely with Queensland Health to ensure our strong biosecurity plans guarantees the fourth Test at The Gabba is played safely," said CA’s interim CEO Hockley said.

"Throughout the season, we have developed a strong track record for a safe and responsible return to sport thanks to our well-established biosecurity protocols, the ongoing support from public health officials and the incredible hard work of so many people across Australian cricket.

 “I want to thank the Queensland Government for their cooperation and willingness to working closely with CA and the BCCI so we can deliver the fourth Test as planned, but more importantly delivering on a plan that places the safety and wellbeing of the players, match officials and the wider community as a top priority."