Tim Paine forced into isolation after COVID-19 outbreak in Adelaide

The Australian cricket team looks to be in trouble ahead of the first Test match of the four-match Border Gavaskar Trophy against India from December 17 in Adelaide. The Test team captain Tim Paine, wicketkeeper Matthew Wade and all-rounder Cameron Green have been forced into isolation after a coronavirus outbreak in Adelaide.

The Tasmania cricketers, Paine and Wade had played Sheffield Shield Trophy (2020-21) matches in Adelaide last week. Though the players had returned from South Australia, they have been instructed to isolate themselves, get tested for the virus and follow all the guidelines until further notice from State Government.

Also, the Western Australian player, Green who flew home on Saturday has also been asked to self-isolate himself and wait for further guidelines from the concerned authorities. Police reportedly visited the home of at least one player to ensure the instructions were being followed.

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You have got to be open-minded and take it as it is: Pat Cummins
The coronavirus outbreak in Adelaide has also raised concerns about the state hosting the first Test against India. The cricketers are expected to assemble in Adelaide on December 10 after wrapping up the three-match T20I series on December 8. However, contrary to this, Cricket Australia (CA) is positive about not changing the venue for the first Test.

“There is ongoing monitoring but that’s the end of the story,” a CA spokeswoman said, as quoted by Sydney Morning Herald and the Age.

Australia’s Test vice-captain Pat Cummins also opined on the matter saying that these are difficult times but all the players and authorities need to be open-minded and should be ready for such challenges in the future.

“Everyone knows they have got to be adaptable … you literally have to take it day by day. I know everyone is trying to plan ahead but … you have got to be open-minded and take it as it is,” Pat Cummins said about the situation.

Cricket Association that looks after Sydney has come forward to reveal that they are willing to host the Test match at SCG if due to any reasons it can’t be played in Adelaide.

“In the very unlikely event this should happen we will always be there to help cricket,” Tony Shepherd, the chairman of the reconstituted Venues NSW, said.