Aus vs NZ: Traditional SCG Test match in doubt after Big Bash game abandonment in Canberra

Cricket Australia (CA) is preparing for possibility that smoke from latest bushfire crisis in country and extreme heat may see play suspended or abandoned in some of biggest games of Australian home summer. One of matches that is of immediate concern is traditional New Year’s Test match at Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), which will involve Australia and New Zealand starting January 3, 2020. A Big Bash League (BBL) game between Sydney Thunder and Adelaide Strikers was called off on Saturday night after umpires deemed smoke which had enveloped Manuka Oval in Canberra made conditions as 'too dangerous to continue'. Strikers needed to only bowl four more balls for game against Sydney Thunder to be completed, but umpires changed ir mind after a wind change covered  ground in smoke.

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At least two players sought medical treatment after game as a result of smoke, including Australia's veteran Test bowler Peter Siddle. Siddle has been named in Australia's squad for upcoming Boxing Day Test. Players on both sides were wearing black armbands for two volunteer firemen killed last week.

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SCG Test match in doubt due to bushfire crisis

Elsewhere, play was almost suspended in a Sheffield Shield match at SCG between Queensland and NSW earlier this month even though it was completed in end. Some of players such as Usman Khawaja and Steve O'Keefe, both of whom have played for Australia's national team in past, described conditions as “shocking” and “worse than India”. New Zealand cancelled first day of a tour match in Melbourne on Friday because of “extremely high temperatures” and numerous games were suspended or abandoned across Sydney on Saturday. At least three first grade matches were delayed because of smoke from nearby fires. local T20 competition was cancelled in Adelaide on Friday night when temperature hit 46 degrees celsius. Sydney has been shrouded in smoke for much of past few weeks, prompting fears it may impact New Year's Test starting Friday week.

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Cricket Australia's Cricket Operations Manr Peter Roach said that rules were in place, like rain, to add time or suspend play. He added that smoke came in quickly but disappeared soon as well. Roach said that it was unlikely that smoke would have a full day's presence. He added that y might see some challenges across  day but y would play it like rain or adverse wear and time can be added on any given day. He was hopeful that Australia and New Zealand will be able to play a proper, full and a good quality Test match in Sydney.

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