Former Australian captain Mark Taylor says the Boxing Day Test could possibly be removed from the MCG this season due to the insufficient number of spectators in Victoria.
An increase in COVID-19 cases in Victoria in the past week has raised new doubts as to whether crowds will return to state venues in the near future.
While the test was traditionally played in Melbourne, former cricket Australia director Taylor explained why the 2020 Boxing Day clash with India could be relocated.
“I think there could be some kind of deal with MCG and Cricket Australia, which means they must have the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, but could it move? Yes it could,” he said to Nine Sports Sunday.
“If you look at what’s happening in Australia, the MCG may only accommodate 10,000 to 20,000 people at Christmas time, which won’t look particularly good if you have a real legendary friendly game.
“Moving this game to the Optus Stadium or even the Adelaide Oval will give you full venues.
“Adelaide particularly loves watching the Indians play. The World Cup match between India and Pakistan sold out in 52 minutes or so a few years ago.
“The Adelaide Oval and Optus Stadium will work hard to get this game because they would look better with a crowd of people.”
Taylor’s comments come after Australian test skipper Tim Paine has also announced a possible move for this year’s Boxing Day Test.
“Given the current circumstances, I dare say that everything is fine. We hope that we can have crowds everywhere we play in the summer,” said Paine last week.
“Of course we don’t know how big they are. But it is difficult for anyone to answer because so much changes week after week, day after day. Give it three for four months, we just don’t know how it does it will look like.
“From a player’s perspective, of course, we want to play in front of large crowds at the best venues, and a big day like Boxing Day is something everyone looks forward to, and a lot of it takes place at the MCG.
“Keep your fingers crossed, things are going well enough that we can do it, but as I said, we are spoiled for choice here in Australia with some world-class stadiums. If something had to change, we have many options again.” “
