Measures to ensure test safe tightened

BRISBANE: Fans based in a Covid19 hot spot will be fined $A1000 ($NZ1069) if they attend the SCG Test as the New South Wales Government considers further measures, including mandatory masks, for spectators.

The Australian Medical Association has led calls for the third test to be played in front of empty stands because of the risk it poses as a potential Covid superspreading event.

The SCG’s capacity will instead be capped at 25% tomorrow, when the series between Australia and India resumes.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who will remain in Canberra and watch the game on television because of the ACT’s border restrictions, said it was ‘‘great that it’ll be played in front of people’’.

‘‘It’s been done in a safe way,’’ he told 2GB.

‘‘They’ve got a good plan to deal with that, based on the medical advice.’’

Acting NSW Premier John Barilaro reiterated yesterday that ‘‘everything comes with a risk’’ amid Sydney’s Covid outbreak, having already urged regional NSW residents to not attend the match.

The state government, desperate to minimise that risk, has banned anybody from Berala and nearby suburbs from attending the test.

‘‘Do not come to the test,’’ NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard said.

‘‘You must not come to the SCG. That’s for your sake and for our community’s sake.

‘‘If any of you think that it’s still OK to come in with somebody else who’s got a ticket or tickets, it won’t be.

‘‘Health orders made in the next 24 hours will enable NSW Police to fine you $1000 if you put a foot inside the SCG.’’

Meanwhile, Australia coach Justin Langer has all but confirmed David Warner will return for the test and said uncapped opener Will Pucovski was available for selection after clearing concussion protocols.

Regular opener Warner has been racing to be fit after missing the first two matches in Adelaide and Melbourne with a groin strain.

Warner admitted last week he was unlikely to be fully fit but Langer said yesterday the left hander was ‘‘very, very, very likely’’ to play at the SCG where Tim Paine’s Australia will hope to take a 21 lead in the fourmatch series.

Warner is expected to replace the dropped Joe Burns but selectors will have to decide whether Pucovski should partner Warner at the top of the order or retain Matthew Wade as a makeshift opener.

Pundits have expressed concern about the risks of picking 22yearold Pucovski, who was unavailable for the first tests after suffering concussion when struck in the helmet by a short ball in a tour match.

Pucovski has a history of concussion problems and India’s pace attack, led by the formidable Jasprit Bumrah, pelted the Australians with bouncers in Melbourne, striking specialist batsmen Marnus Labuschagne and Wade on the helmet. — AAP/Reuters