SCG crowd capacity cut to 25% ahead of third Australia-India Test

The ground was due to operate at 50 per cent capacity but will now be limited to 9,500 spectators for Australia's third Test against India

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Cricket Australia have reduced the capacity of the Sydney Cricket Ground to 25 per cent ahead of Australia’s third Test against India following advice from the New South Wales government.

The ground was due to operate at 50 per cent capacity but will now be limited to 9,500 spectators for the match, which is due to start on Thursday.

As a result of the revised socially-distanced seating arrangements, all pre-purchased tickets will be refunded and the match re-ticketed from Monday afternoon.

Addressing the decision to reduce crowd capacity, Cricket Australia’s acting chief executive officer Nick Hockley stated that it was essential for the safe delivery of the Test match.

"In response to the public health situation in NSW, we are working closely with Venues NSW and NSW Health to put appropriate biosecurity measures in place for our staff, players, match officials, broadcasters and fans to ensure we play the third Test at the SCG safely," he said.  

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Steve Smith, Joe Burns and Tim Paine appeal for a wicket during the second Test at the MCG

"Reducing the capacity of the venue is crucial in achieving social distancing requirements, and we sincerely thank ticketholders for their patience, as we process refunds today, reconfigure the SCG seating plan to deliver these social distancing measures and go back on sale.

"To date, we have been able to deliver a safe and successful summer of cricket thanks to our detailed biosecurity protocols, the cooperation and support of public health officials and the hard work of so many people behind the scenes."

Meanwhile, NSW acting premier John Barilaro advised the public to think carefully before travelling to the SCG.

"In regional rural NSW right now we’re enjoying no restrictions," he said. "We got to have the summer and the Christmas we were robbed of last year - because of bushfires and drought - because of the restrictions we’ve put in place in Sydney.

"So the risk would be that if someone from the regions comes to Sydney they could take it (Covid-19) back to a regional area.

"My advice to people would be to think about it and reconsider. Maybe this year isn’t the year to come to Sydney to watch the Test."

 

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