Cricket Australia have announced the new dates for the Test series between Australia and India after the tragic death of Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes.
The Test series will begin in Adelaide, before moving to Brisbane on the 17th. The Boxing Day Test will occur as usual, with the Sydney Test pushed back three days to give the players an extra few days break.
There will also be changes to the Big Bash League, but these will be confirmed by Cricket Australia in the coming days.
First Test
Tue 9 Dec – Sat 13 Dec: Australia v India – Adelaide
Second Test Wed 17 Dec – Sun 21 Dec: Australia v India – Brisbane
Third Test
Fri 26 – Tue 30 Dec: Australia v India – Melbourne
Fourth Test
Tue 6 Jan – Sat 10 Jan: Australia v India – Sydney
Hughes’ funeral will take place in the New South Wales town of Macksville on Wednesday. Cricket Australia released a lengthy set of statements about the tragedy, and on the decision to play the first match in Adelaide.
He also hailed the BCCI, who were accommodating in the time of tragedy.
“Nobody should underestimate just what these players are going through right now,” Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland said.
“These are difficult days and we need to support them in dealing with their grief.
“It’s very clear that playing a Test right now is just too soon and we are reacting accordingly.
“We appreciate the understanding of cricket fans around the country, particularly those in Brisbane, Adelaide and Sydney during these highly difficult times.
“We acknowledge the difficulties this presents within the cricket communities that make these Test matches such terrific occasions. We are grateful to State Cricket Associations and venues in those cities for their understanding and willingness to accommodate such last-minute changes.
“A concern with these changes has been creating congestion within the cricket calendar by holding four Test matches in 33 days. We knew that if we started any later than 9 December, that congestion would only get worse.
“We looked at possibly holding the Brisbane Test in the new year following Sydney but we felt that would only compromise the tri-series against England and India which is important preparation for our ICC Cricket World Cup campaign.
“There will be knock-on effects from these decisions which people will obviously want answers to. We will work through them as quickly as we can, but just ask for patience given these unprecedented circumstances.
“While this wasn’t done by design, it is somewhat fitting that the first Test will take place in Adelaide at Phillip’s adopted home ground where we hope the match can be a seen as a celebration of his life.
“We are committed to developing a range of tributes that show just how much Phillip was loved by the Australian cricket community.”
Pre-purchased tickets will be honoured for the revised Test matches. Full refunds are also available. Details for ticket purchasers will be communicated via the relevant ticket agency, either Ticketek or Ticketmaster. Cricket Australia will contact all Cricket Australia Corporate Hospitality customers shortly.
Options are available for Qantas customers who are booked to travel and wish to make changes to their flights as a result of the changes to the Test schedule, including re-booking with no change fee.
CA is also seeking flexibility with accommodation providers when dealing with cricket fans who have travel bookings that are disrupted by these changes.
Sutherland expressed CA’s appreciation at the continued support and understanding offered by the BCCI, host broadcasters, government and commercial partners.
“The BCCI has shown great empathy and understanding which we truly appreciate. They have put the cricket community’s concerns for the Hughes family well ahead of their own preparation.
“Our host broadcasters, government and commercial partners have also been greatly supportive during this period for which we are thankful.”
ACA Chief Executive Alistair Nicholson said: “Based on our discussions with the players and with support of health experts, we believed the First Test in Brisbane was still too early for them to return to the field, and that the Adelaide Test presents more time to grieve and mentally prepare.
“Players will look to prepare themselves with the dedication and commitment that is a trademark of our Australian Test cricketers. There is no doubt that their return to the field will be enormously challenging, particularly for those who were present on the SCG last week.
“Asking them to take the field virtually straight after they farewell Phillip at his funeral was just too much. The extra days afforded the players are considered a vital part of their recovery process and we’re pleased that our representations to Cricket Australia were met with a sympathetic ear.
“We also consulted the Hughes family regarding our preference to delay the return to the international stage, and they were very supportive of the players’ need for more more time.
“The outpouring of support from the Australian public is truly appreciated by the national team and all Australian Cricketers’ Association members.”
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