India vs Australia: SCG gets nod to host annual Pink Test post initial COVID-19 threat

Clearing cloud of doubt over occasion for third Test of Border Gavaskar Trophy, Cricket Australia has confirmed that Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) will host third Test of series, as per schedule. rising number of COVID-19 cases h cast a doubt on SCG playing host for annual pink Test, putting national cricket board on high alert. However, officials have affirmed that COVID-19 threat has subsided eugh allowing match at SCG to proceed as per schedule. 

sudden rise in COVID-19 cases in Sydney h forced CA officials to prepare Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) to host back-to-back matches after end of Boxing Day Test. However, interim CA CEO Nick Hockley has stated that board has received a go-ahe from NSW government. 

"We have met regularly over past week to assess unfolding public health situation in Sydney and gauge its impact on border restrictions around country. To date, we have been able to deliver a safe and successful summer thanks to our detailed biosecurity protocols and amazing work of so many great people behind scenes."

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"To that end, we have me decision to keep New Year's Test at SCG, which has a wonderful recent history of hosting Pink Test and Jane McGrath Day on third day of play," Hockley said. After third Test at SCG which begins on January 7, fourth Test is slated to be held in Brisbane from January 15 onwards. 

'Pink Test' also kwn as Sydney's New Year Test is an annual affair in Australian summer, which is also a major fundraiser for McGrath Foundation, a breast cancer support and education charity set up by former Australia fast bowler Glenn McGrath, whose first wife Jane died of disease. As per CA, Pink Test raised more than $1.2 million for charity in its 12th year. 

"We are thrilled Vodafone Pink Test will still take place at SCG. It is home of Pink Test and spirit and support of crowd at SCG have become a huge part of Pink Test atmosphere over past 12 years," McGrath said in a statement.

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India level series at MCG 

Staging a gutsy comeback in second Test after elaide rout, touring Indian party without several key players defeated Australians by 8 wickets to level Test series 1-1 on Tuesday. Indian bowlers worked in tandem to bundle Aussies out for just 200 in ir second innings as batsmen just h to chase a paltry total of 70 which y did in style.

Debutant Gill who h scored 45 in first innings once against ensured that visitors got off to a flying start in ir paltry run chase as he went after Australian bowling attack right from word 'Go' and when Border-Gavaskar Trophy holders ended up losing wickets of opener Mayank Agarwal and number three batsman Cheteshwar Pujara in single digits, Gill played his natural game and took India past finish line by eight wickets. He remained unbeaten on 35. 

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