Sydney still aiming for halffull SCG
SYDNEY: Sydney’s push for a halffull SCG during the third test will continue despite a spike in Covid19 cases.
As a second Sydney cluster was confirmed yesterday, New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian said a 50% capacity at the SCG would be safer than people gathering at homes.
Next week’s third test between Australia and India in Sydney will remain as the pink test for the McGrath Foundation, but several crowd protocols will change.
Spectators will be warned against yelling and chanting while fans will also be urged to wear a mask when away from their seats.
Officials were yesterday trumpeting a 50% capacity, planning for a ‘‘baseline’’ crowd of 20,000.
But even if 18 new Covid cases hurts that push, the NSW Government declared a 50% capacity crowd as a safe option.
‘‘The best health advice to us is that 50% capacity of that venue in an outdoor setting is safer than being in a household in confined spaces,’’ Berejiklian said.
‘‘So outdoor settings, ticketed, seated, controlled events are deemed to be safer than having too many people within a household.’’
Unlike during the NRL season in Sydney, there is no legal limit on crowds at sporting events in NSW.
With minimal sport in Sydney, ALeague matches have been capped at 50% this week.
NSW’s chief health officer Dr Kerry Chant said yesterday that ‘‘ensures spacing’’, even as restrictions were tightened on greater Sydney.
Discussions also remain ongoing with the SCG Trust and Cricket Australia.
CA boss Nick Hockley, speaking before the release of yesterday’s numbers, was hopeful the capacity could be increased.
‘‘In terms of the fans, we want as many people as possible to be able to experience the test but to do so safely,’’ Hockley said.
‘‘Fifty percent is a baseline but we will be working over coming days to see if we can get more but obviously safety is a priority.’’
Meanwhile, opening batsmen David Warner and Will Pucovski have been included in Australia's 18man squad for the third test a but Joe Burns has been dropped after twin failures in Melbourne.
Regular opener Warner missed the first two tests with a groin strain while the uncapped Pucovski was ruled out after suffering concussion when hit on the helmet by a short ball in a tour match before the series started.