Australia’s three-match series against the Black Caps will be played in empty stadiums, after Cricket Australia made the decision to close the matches to crowds due to the spread of coronavirus.
Meanwhile, the Australian women’s team’s tour of South Africa has been indefinitely postponed due to the virus, although the rest of the Sheffield Shield – which has one round left before the final – will go ahead as scheduled.
“These were not decisions taken lightly, but they are the most responsible courses of action based on expert advice,” CA sports science and sports medicine manager Alex Kountouris said in a statement released Friday morning.
“The health and safety of everyone in the cricket family is paramount and our actions reflect that.
“This is an unprecedented global health situation and, as we’ve seen around the world, serious measures have been taken by many organisations to limit the spread of coronavirus. We are among those.”
The men’s team have a T20 tour of New Zealand coming up soon, starting March 24. A decision has not been made on the future of that series yet, although CA have said one will be made “in due course”.
“We have taken strong action today in the face of an unprecedented public health issue,” CA CEO Kevin Roberts said.
“We believe this is the right decision to minimise the risk of public exposure to the coronavirus, which the World Health Organisation declared a global pandemic on Thursday.
“We understand that these changes to our schedule will impact many, but we hope our community will understand that the public health and safety issues caused by the coronavirus must take priority over sport at this time. This is not an issue specific to cricket.
“Cricket Australia has been monitoring the coronavirus situation for several weeks, particularly looking at advice provided by DFAT and other relevant government agencies, including the Australian Institute of Sport, which has outlined a coordinated approach for all Australian sports. We have also consulted with an infectious diseases specialist.
“Our players and staff have been adopting recommended sanitary practices during this time to minimise the chance of exposure and will continue to do so.”
dungerBob
Roar Rookie
Yep. Couldn't find one with the index finger standing up though :stoked:
Insult_2_Injury
Roar Rookie
Wrong digit I believe Bob!
Insult_2_Injury
Roar Rookie
I guess that means the clubs medical staff aren't being thorough enough with checks. I'm pretty sure every pro sporting club in Australia has been educated about it, we are in an OH&S driven society. Surely every club is trying to ensure their personnel are secure and by extension opponents benefit too.
Nick
Roar Guru
Sell out is a fairly loose term in these contexts. Generally they say a match is sold out when general allocation seats are sold out. Members, corporates etc etc don't count
KenW
Roar Rookie
I read later that it was actually sold out days ago. 8k people that had tickets decided to stay home.
matth
Roar Guru
I’m calling it. Labs may well be our best all format batsman at this moment.
dungerBob
Roar Rookie
:thumbup:
dungerBob
Roar Rookie
In this day and age, quite possibly.
Jeff
Roar Rookie
Some funky use of hand wipes, "soap", disinfectant and lozenges presents itself for some innovative application.
Jeff
Roar Rookie
You mean, watch cricket during the cricket season?
Jeff
Roar Rookie
NRL season is just kicking off. Footy season isn't scheduled to begin until Carlton v Richmond next Thursday as I understand it? :happy:
Jeff
Roar Rookie
And legal action.
Jeff
Roar Rookie
Promotional masterstroke.
Jeff
Roar Rookie
One of the safest spectator sporing events around I would have thought. So long as everyone keeps a 100m social separation distance everything should be fine; that should be no problem.
Jeff
Roar Rookie
Hopoate retired some time ago didn't he? Surely that reduces chances of transmission somewhat?
Pross
Roar Rookie
So who will through the ball back when it gets hit for 6!!! :angry:
Harvey Wilson
Roar Rookie
That could be funny, seeing what turkeys they make of themselves.
Jokerman
Roar Guru
All the players need to be wearing face masks, and I’d make it permanent. Personally I’d use the Hannible Lecter mask for some intimidation. I just hope Australia don’t put their physio out in the outfield. His catching technique is just too poor. It’s not worth the risk.
Rissole
Roar Rookie
I want to see Warner hit a ton just to see how he celebrates in front of 0 people. Or even if a batsman makes 50, will his muscle memory make him raise the bat?
hammertime
Roar Rookie
Looks like a Waratahs crowd.