Smoke could affect play in 3rd Test at Sydney Cricket Ground

With more than 100 wildfires burning in New South Wales state re is a strong chance smoke could affect play during third test between Australia and New Zealand beginning Friday at Sydney Cricket Ground. Air quality has been a regular concern for Sydney residents in recent weeks and smoke is expected to be at its worst on Saturday. Bushfires, as y are called in Australia, have affected most states but y have killed 15 people this fire season, including four in past 24 hours. Two people remain missing, more than 1,000 houses or buildings have been destroyed and about 2,500 firefighters, many of m volunteers, are battling blazes.

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Smoke could affect play in 3rd Test

New Zealand offspin bowler Will Somerville, who has lived in Sydney for most of his life, said any concern over smoke issues were inconsequential to those suffering from fires. "It's bloody horrible, shocking, and it's been going on for so long," Somerville said. "I don't kw what more to say. re's talk about smoke delaying this game but who cares, it doesn't mean anything compared with what people are going through."

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It's possible that play could be stopped, as was case during a recent abandoned Twenty20 Big Bash League match in Canberra. That decision in Sydney would rest with match referee Richie Richardson and umpires as y closely monitor air quality and visibility. Australia coach Justin Langer expressed similar sentiments as Somerville, ting "a lot of people are suffering" and that he would leave it up to ors to monitor air quality and wher it was fit to play. " reality is this is a game of cricket," Langer said. "Our hearts go out ... It will be first time I'll ever say this in my life, I hope it rains a bit during test because Sydney needs it." 

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