Play it at the Gabba: Josh Hazlewood’s first Test preference

Cricket Australia officials hope Adelaide’s strict lockdown will help save the first Test, as players pushed for the Gabba to be the first standby option.

Fast bowler Josh Hazlewood is wary of other grounds outside of Adelaide Oval hosting a day-night Test Picture: Getty Images

Cricket Australia officials hope Adelaide’s strict lockdown will help save the first Test, as players pushed for the Gabba to be the first standby option.

Test spearhead Josh Hazlewood also warned against maintaining the first Test as a pink ball affair in the event it did have to change venues from Adelaide — adamant it would be risky to rely on the harder Gabba or untried grounds like the MCG, SCG or Canberra to pull off a day-nighter without any proof conditions would be viable.

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Hazlewood said Brisbane with a red ball is how players would always ideally love to start a Test series, but it appears no option in Australia is off the table, with suggestions even Perth could re-enter the conversation as an unlikely alternative to take over from Adelaide in the event of emergency.

The swift decision by the South Australian government to shut the state down for at least six days, however, has increased Cricket Australia’s confidence that Adelaide still has time on its side to get on top of its COVID-19 outbreak.

India would have to approve any change from the current schedule, but Hazlewood knows where his vote would be.

“It probably would be (The Gabba) to be fair. The longer we wait, the hotter it gets up there, so the quicks would all be happy to get that game done through early December, and we obviously have a really good record there and it’s a great place to start,” Hazlewood said.

As it stands, there are ground renovations planned at the Gabba at that time, not to mention the fact Queensland’s border restrictions could be as difficult to work with as any state.

Broadcasters wouldn’t want to lose a day-night fixture from the menu given the ratings bonanza they can bring, but Hazlewood said you can’t transfer the pink ball to another venue and expect the same results as in Adelaide.

In the case of emergency, Hazlewood would advocate for a red ball first Test in Brisbane, and Adelaide’s pink ball slotted in as the last Test, where the Gabba is currently scheduled.

“Yeah, I agree with that. I think it could be red ball Melbourne or Brisbane or somewhere, then we head back to Adelaide later on in the summer,” said Hazlewood.

“But from all reports, we’re still good for Adelaide. But it can always change. He’s got the wicket perfect at Adelaide for a pink ball Test. I’ve never played one in Melbourne. A few grounds around Australia are too abrasive or too hard, such as the Gabba or Perth.

“I think those wickets are too hard for a pink ball. It goes quite soft after a certain amount of time.

“Adelaide’s got a great coverage of grass. It looks after the ball a little better throughout the overs.”

MCC chief executive Stuart Fox said the MCG would be able to host the first two Tests of the summer if Adelaide went out of commission, but admits he is nervous that a scheduled practice game at the venue was cancelled on Tuesday, leaving ground staff without a dress rehearsal.

“I’ll say with absolute reservation, because I would love to see it held in Adelaide … But we’re capable and willing if required, let’s put it that way. The G is available, we could host it,” Fox said on Gerard Whateley’s SEN show.

“I’m not picking up the phone to Cricket Australia. They know we’re available. We’re actually clear at the moment right until Christmas. The pitches are in, the place is looking magnificent. We’re ready to go. Cricket Australia know we’re available. And I’m sure if they needed a back-up venue the MCG is a possibility.”

In other news, Australian fast bowler Kane Richardson withdrew from Australia’s white ball series starting on November 27 due to the birth of his first child.

Meanwhile, Channel 9 announced it had secured the rights for the Ashes in Britain in 2023 amid broadcaster uncertainty with Channel 7.

The Daily Telegraph