Australia speedster Josh Hazlewood feels that Gabba could be the perfect venue to host the opening Test against India if the coronavirus crisis increases in Adelaide. As per reports, the COVID-19 cases in Adelaide has seen a surge in the last few days which might prompt the Australian cricket board to move the opening Test from Adelaide. As per the original schedule, Adelaide is slated to host the opening Test which will be India’s first day-night affair in foreign conditions. The neighbouring states have already closed their borders with South Australia.
Hazlewood who will be a lynchpin in the Australian bowling attack in the upcoming Test series feels that it would be better for the fast bowlers to get the game out of the way in Brisbane before it gets too hot and starts favouring the batsmen.
"It probably would be (the Gabba) to be fair. I think the longer we wait the hotter it gets up there so the quicks would all be happy to get that game done in early December. We obviously have a really good record (in Brisbane) and it's a great place to start," Hazlewood was quoted as saying to the reporters.
Meanwhile, the COVID-19 spike has forced Test skipper Tim Paine into self-quarantine and the other players preparing for the Big Bash League has also been moved to a training camp on the coast of New South Wales. While Hazlewood is more than happy to play the opening Test in Gabba, the speedster feels that the Day-Night Test should only be played in Adelaide due to the nature of the wicket there.
"He (curator Damian Hough) has got the wicket perfect at Adelaide for a pink-ball Test. A few grounds around Australia are too abrasive or too hard, such as the Gabba or Perth. Those wickets are too hard for a pink ball, it goes quite soft after a certain amount of time.
"Could be red ball (first Test in) Melbourne or Brisbane or somewhere, then we head back to Adelaide later on in the summer. From all reports, we're still good for Adelaide but it can always change... hopefully they can get on top of it in the next week or two," Hazlewood said.
India’s tour of Australia starts with the ODI series on November 27 followed by the 3-match T20I series and the Test series.
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