India to play Gabba Test

SYDNEY, Jan 10: The fourth and final Test of the Border-Gavaskar series will almost certainly go ahead in Brisbane as planned after reports out of India stated the side has agreed to travel – but has a last-minute request.
The fate of the match, scheduled to be played at the ‘Gabba, had been in some doubt due to Queensland’s biosecurity provisions, particularly given the recent outbreak of the more contagious UK variant of COVID-19.
But an unnamed Indian cricket board official has told that the Test will go ahead, so long as the visitors can leave the country immediately after its conclusion.
That players could mingle in a hotel – in a secure team ‘bubble’ had been a major sticking point before the Indians agreed to travel to Queensland.
But the official said, “We never objected to playing in Brisbane or any health protocol. The Test is very much on.
There had been concerns that the Queensland outbreak could affect the team’s preparation ahead of a lengthy series against England in India starting next month.
Brisbane went into a three-day lockdown this weekend due to a reported case of the UK strain of COVID-19, which has BCCI officials concerned. (Agencies)