From first sports events getting cancelled to then later on being playing behind closed doors, the coronavirus pandemic surely brought in a lot of changes in the game.
From first sports events getting cancelled to then later on being playing behind closed doors, the coronavirus pandemic surely brought in a lot of changes in the game.
However, now after eight months of keeping spectators away from cricket at the stadiums, the three-match ODI series between India and Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Friday, will be the first time that men's cricket will see fans cheering since March.
The first two matches at the SCG will be played with 50 per cent crowd capacity while the third ODI at Canberra will be played at 65 per cent crowd capacity.
Australia's limited-overs skipper Aaron Finch on Thursday said that the team was excited to play in front of fans again. "The last time we played in front of a crowd in Australia was a very long time ago. There has been a huge amount of work going to allow that to happen -- from the public in various states, there has been a tremendous amount of work done to keep coronavirus under control. We are really excited. We know how much of a great atmosphere would it be," said Finch.
"You need to get in quick though as tickets, starting at $30 for adults and $10 for kids, are in high demand. Both Manuka Oval, Canberra (65 per cent) and the SCG (50 per cent) will be at limited capacity," cricket.com.au said in a FAQ section about the series.
After the end of the ODI series, it will be followed with as many T20Is, and later Australia and India will compete in a four-match Test series. The Adelaide Oval, which will host the first Test, will allow 27,000 spectators or 50 per cent of its capacity on each match day.
As for the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), 25,000 fans for each day have been currently allowed by the Victorian government.
The SCG will hold 50 per cent of total capacity for the third Test while Brisbane's Gabba venue will host up to 30,000 fans, or 75 per cent of its capacity for the fourth and final Test.
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