We would go to Gabba regardless of quarantine: Matthew Wade

Abhishek Singh

Australian batsman Matthew Wade has made it clear that the Australian team is keen on going to Brisbane for the last of the four-match series as opposed to the views expressed by the Indian management regarding staying back in Sydney and playing both the third and fourth Tests there. 

“We would obviously prefer not to. A schedule has been rolled out by Cricket Australia and we and CA would like to stick to it. There was also speculation about staying in Melbourne and CA has made it clear very firmly that we would be playing as per the schedule,” Wade said in a Press Conference ahead of the teams moving to Sydney for the third Test. 

“So I would expect this to go to the Gabba regardless of the fact that there might be a quarantine based hotel and we are only allowed movement from the ground to the hotel. We fully expect to go to Brisbane and play the Gabba Test,” added teh opening batsman. 

Australia has been brilliant at the Gabba in Brisbane in Test and usually, the Australian summer started with the Gabba Test, but the schedule was changed due to the Day/ Night Test as well as the pandemic’s impact and the Gabba Test has been scheduled to happen at the end of the tour. 

“There is no secret why we like starting the summer there and our record is good there. Indian have got a good bowling lineup and a great team. So we would obviously not take them for granted when we get there, but we would love to get there at the Gabba,” he said. 

Adding that it wouldn’t be Australia’s favour to play back to back games in Sydney, Wade said, “Two games at SCG is not something that we would prefer.”

Earlier, Cricbuzz reported quoting an Indian management official that the team was not keen on traveling to Brisbane, mostly after the five players were placed in isolation. 

"We aren't keen on going to Brisbane if it means being stuck in the hotel again, except for going to the ground. Instead, we don't mind being in some other city, playing both Test matches there to complete the series and returning home," the official had been quoted as saying. 

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