The Ashes is so big, every test has its own unique character, says CA chief executive

INN/Kolkata,@Infodeaofficial

Cricket Australia has sounded positive about the upcoming Ashes taking place in front of crowds at the pre-scheduled venues. The third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia has created a lot of doubts on whether or not crowds should be allowed for the five-match Test series to be played in December-January.

The Ashes is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, December 8 with the opening Test at The Gabba in Brisbane. Hockley also talked about CA staying in touch with the Australian government to ensure a safe and secure Test series later this year. “The Ashes is so big, every test has its own unique character, in the first instance we’ll be doing everything we possibly can to play the schedule as planned and very hopeful and optimistic that we will have crowds. “We’ve got a range of protocols that fit any given circumstance and we’ll react accordingly. I think it’s too early to tell,” Hockley stated.

“We’re working sensitively and constructively with governments to try and put in the best possible plans for players and support staff for both the England squad and our own squad,” Hockley further said.

“Both us and the (England and Wales Cricket Board) want to absolutely field our best possible teams with optimal conditions for them to compete at their absolute best in what is ultimately the biggest stage in world cricket,” he concluded.

Apart from the Ashes, Australia are scheduled to host Afghanistan for a one-off Test at the Bellerive Oval in Hobart. However, the game is under the clouds after the Taliban took over the reins of Afghanistan. Tasmania hasn’t hosted a Test match since 2016.