Women’s Big Bash: WBB07 to go ahead under Covid protocols amid Hobart’s snap lockdown

The WBBL was in disarray after Hobart’s snap lockdown. But a strict Covid protocol program has allowed the competition to go ahead. See the fixture.

HOBART, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 14: Annabel Sutherland of the Melbourne Stars celebrates with team mates the wicket of Shafali Verma of the Sydney Sixers during the Women's Big Bash League match between the Sydney Sixers and the Melbourne Stars at Blundstone Arena, on October 14, 2021, in Hobart, Australia. (Photo by Sarah Reed/Getty Images)

All four WBBL games schedule for this weekend in Tasmania will go ahead, despite Hobart being in a snap three-day lockdown.

Southern parts of Tasmania were plunged into a hard lockdown at 6pm on Friday due to an in-cooperative Covid positive patient having been out in the community after breaking hotel quarantine.

But Cricket Australia officials worked overnight with Tasmanian health officials to come up with a strict Covid protocol program to allow games to go ahead at Blundstone Arena on Saturday and Sunday without crowds.

Every WBBL player and staff member is vaccinated and all have returned negative Covid test results.

Watch every game of the Weber WBBL Live & On-Demand on Kayo or catch up for FREE with minis on Kayo Freebies. Join Kayo Now >

The WBBL is back on. Picture: Sarah Reed/Getty Images

“The League and all eight Clubs are incredibly thankful to the Tasmanian Government for allowing the Weber WBBL to safely continue in Hobart this weekend,” said Alistair Dobson, Cricket Australia’s General Manager of Big Bash Leagues.

“We’d also like to express our gratitude to players and staff from all Clubs, plus match officials, broadcast partners and venue staff for their understanding as we worked through the final details with the Tasmanian Government. The experience gained from last summer means all involved in the Weber WBBL are well prepared to do whatever necessary to conduct a safe and successful competition this year.

“While we are disappointed not to be welcoming fans to Blundstone Arena this weekend, we hope they will enjoy all the action from all four games on Seven, Foxtel, Kayo and ABC Radio.”

WBBL THIS WEEKEND

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16

Melbourne Renegades v Hobart Hurricanes, Blundstone Arena, 3:40pm AEDT

Sydney Thunder v Adelaide Strikers, Blundstone Arena, 7:05pm AEDT

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 17

Perth Scorchers v Brisbane Heat, Blundstone Arena, 10:15am AEDT

Hobart Hurricanes v Sydney Sixers, Blundstone Arena, 1:40pm AEDT

Earlier: Tas government set to give WBBL green light

— Liz Walsh

Despite southern Tasmania being plunged into a three-day hard lockdown after a positive Covid case, it appears likely the Tasmanian Government will green light a plan to allow the WBBL competition to continue under strict bubble protocols.

Cricket Australia relocated the opening two weeks of the quick-fire competition to Tasmania in an effort to play the WBBL07 in full amid border closures and Covid clusters.

But the snap lockdown announced on Friday has threatened to derail the season.

Stumped? Alyssa Healy got off to flyer in Hobart on Thursday with a stunning knock, but a Covid drama has the series up in the air. Picture: Getty Images

There are four matches scheduled to be played this weekend, and despite early fears the games would be postponed, Cricket Australia is working with the state government on a plan to have the games played with strict Covid-prevention protocols including a closed Blundstone Arena.

It’s understood Cricket Australia and government officials were agreeing to the terms on Friday evening.

A Cricket Australia spokesman confirmed the organisation was aware of the Covid situation in Tasmania and was working through its options with the safety of players, staff and the broader community the No.1 concern.

“The Weber Women’s Big Bash League acknowledges the decision of the Tasmanian Government to call a three-day lockdown in the interests of public health,” CA said in a statement.

Due to the unfolding COVID situation in Tasmania the Scorchers have delayed their travel from Perth to Hobart by 24-hours. Further updates to come.

— Perth Scorchers (@ScorchersBBL) October 15, 2021

“The health and safety of our players, staff, match officials and partners, along with that of the wider community, remains our top priority.

“We are currently working with the Tasmanian Government on options for the upcoming Weber WBBL|07 matches at Blundstone Arena, Hobart this weekend.

“All players, staff and match officials in Tasmania for the Weber WBBL have received Covid-19 vaccinations and received the required negative Covid-19 test results.”

Seven of the eight WBBL teams have been training in Hobart this week and cricketers from Sydney and Melbourne have already completed two weeks of hotel quarantine.

Perth Scorchers were due to leave WA and arrive in Hobart on Friday, but the team delayed its flight by 24 hours and is now expected to arrive on Saturday ahead of their game against Brisbane Heat on Sunday.

Elyse Villani was in top form for the Melbourne Stars in the opening match.

The seventh season of the WBBL started on Thursday night with Sydney Sixers beating Melbourne Stars by six wickets in a rain-affected match at Blundstone Arena.

There are two double-headers scheduled to be played this weekend: Melbourne Renegades are due to take on Hobart Hurricanes on Saturday afternoon, with the reigning champions, Sydney Thunder, playing Adelaide Strikers in the evening.

On Sunday, the Scorchers play the Heat before the Hurricanes play the Sixers.

The league’s players and staff will now be bound to their hotel rooms until 6pm on Monday, only allowed to leave their rooms for exercise once a day, and for games, if they go ahead.