Jitters over debut and virus as SCG gates open

Patrons attending the SCG for the Australia-India match over the next five days will now have to wear masks.

Will Pucovski looks set to make his debut at the SCG on Thursday with skipper Tim Paine confident he is in good shape after a recent concussion. Picture: Getty Images

Patrons attending the SCG for the Australia-India match over the next five days will now have to wear masks, while a large section of those who attended the MCG on day two of the Boxing Day Test have been told they may have been exposed to COVID-19.

The famous Melbourne venue where India drew the series is now being used as a COVID testing station as the city attempts to deal with a new outbreak.

Fans who were in Zone 5 of the Southern Stand on December 27 between 12.30pm are being asked to get tested and isolate until they receive a negative result after a 30-year-old man who attended the match on that day contracted the disease.

Authorities in Sydney will be hoping the same does not happen and have tightened regulations for anybody going to the SCG for the critical third Test.

Initially the NSW government capped crowds at 20,000 and told fans they would only have to wear masks on the way to the ground. Now they have wound back capacity to around 10,000 and insisted on masks at all times.

Fans are being asked to ­register their Opal cards if ­travelling to the ground by public transport, while residents of at least five suburbs have been told to stay away.

“From the moment you get into the transport to get there, and get into the queue at the front door of the SCG, and go to your seat, and sit in your seat, you must wear a mask,” NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard said on Wednesday. “The only exception to that, if you’re eating or drinking.”

Mr Hazzard also said a “very large” police presence would ­patrol the gates at Moore Park on Thursday.

Auburn, Berala, Lidcombe North, Regents Park and Rookwood residents face fines of up to $1000 if they attempt to attend.

“That’s for your sake and for our community’s sake,” Mr Hazzard said.

Australia is reeling from two poor batting performances and India’s series-levelling win at the MCG.

Captain Tim Paine confirmed David Warner will reclaim his place at the top of the order even if not fully recovered from injury.

The Australians are, however, refusing to say if Will Pucovski will make his debut as expected.

The 22-year-old Victorian has long been considered one of the most exciting young prospects in cricket and has been denied a debut over the past two years for a variety of reason, not least of them a series of concussions and mental health problems. Pucovski has been cleared by medical experts and looks set to make his debut alongside Warner.

Paine did not name the team but was very positive about having the young batsman and Warner back in the squad.

“Davey has been awesome, he brings really high intensity,” Paine said. “He fills guys with confidence around him. He’s a player that you love having on your side.

“Will has been fantastic as well. He’s been out of the bubble for a couple of weeks. He’s excited, he’s fresh, he’s batting really well in the nets and looks ready to go.”