Cricket Australia has announced changes to this summer’s schedule following the death of Phillip Hughes last week.
The first test will now be played in Adelaide on December 9, with Brisbane hosting the second test starting December 17.
Melbourne’s Boxing Day test remains unchanged while the New Years test in Sydney will now start on January 6 rather than December 3.
The new schedule allows for a three day break between Adelaide and Brisbane and at least four days before the Boxing Day test. There will be a six day break leading into the Sydney test to allow rest for players before facing an even busier schedule.
The changes were made with player welfare at the forefront of Cricket Australia’s mind, said Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland. “Nobody should underestimate just what these players are going through right now,” Mr Sutherland said. “These are difficult days and we need to support them in dealing with their grief.”
The Sheffield Shield season has been greatly affected, with the round of games in which Hughes was struck being called off immediately. This upcoming round has been postponed so players can attend the funeral and take time to grieve.
This round of Shield games will kick off on Tuesday morning while no other changes have been announced as of yet.
The Carlton-mid One Day International tri-series between Australia, India and England has also been affected.
Rather than kicking off at the MCG on January 16, the game has been moved to the Sydney Cricket Ground with the second game being played in Melbourne two days later.
England and India were set to play a warm-up match at Drummoyne Oval on January 12, but that game has now been moved to Canberra’s Manuka Oval with England taking on an ACT XI before the traditional Prime Minister’s XI exhibition game two days later at the same venue. India will play a 50-over tour match with the date and venue yet to be finalised.
James Sutherland said appreciated the adjustments made by both the English and Indian cricket boards. “We thank the BCCI and ECB for their support and understanding throughout this difficult time.” – Jake Benoiton
Top photo from Michael Cohghlan’s Flickr photostream.
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