Explained: What is the Brisbane Test controversy? Team India overreacting?

India Australia tours are never without its fair share of controversies. From on-field sledging to off-field banter, the drama has always been there. The fact that almost two months of matches – three ODIs and T20Is each and two tests – have gone by without controversies was looking like a dream when reality struck. The fourth test between the two countries which is scheduled to be played in Brisbane from January 15 – 19, might be boycotted by the Indian team.

 

Brisbane Covid protocol issue

Both teams will be in Sydney to play the third test from January 7 – 11. They are supposed to then fly to Brisbane to play the final Test. Amidst a rise in cluster cases of COVID-19 in Sydney, the Queensland government has closed the borders to Sydney. The authorities have however allowed the teams to fly in, provided that they stay put to the hotel they have been provided and not be out in public. Queensland Minister Ros Bates' reply to the concern raised by the Indian teams was viral on Twitter. In a video posted on Bates’ handle she can be heard saying, “Well, if the Indians don’t want to play by the rules, then don’t come”.

https://twitter.com/RosBatesMP/status/1345572787004481537

 

Team India’s argument

The Indian team has argued that since they have already observed the 14-day quarantine period upon arriving in Australia, they should be treated like the general public. Some players have been subjected to quarantine from almost six months now owing to their participation in the IPL, which was held in the UAE and then the series in Australia. After the 14-day strict quarantine that they players have to go through upon entering Australia, they have had relaxed security protocols. Brisbane’s new rules will mean the team will have to stay confined to their hotels for the duration of the test. The team has expressed their concern over this and are reportedly better off if the venue was changed.

 

It is still unclear whether the fourth test will be played at a different venue or both teams would go ahead with the current schedule. Australian players are happy to go with the current venue with players Mathew Wade and Nathan Lyon both saying that they expect the current schedule to proceed as it is. Lyon said that the security bubble was a small price to pay to play cricket. “To be honest with you with regards to the quarantine I know there's a few people from both squads who've been in a bubble for close to six months now, but in my eyes it's a very small sacrifice for us to get out there and play the game that we love and put a lot of smiles on a lot of people's faces around the world, so in my eyes, we just have to suck it up and get on with it and get out there and play cricket for our respective countries and make sure that we're playing a really competitive brand of cricket”, he said. Considering the fact that India is touring Australia, it is only fair that the team adhere to the rules set by the local government. Security protocols have been put in place to ensure the safety of players as well as the public. To question it for the sake of inconvenience would be a bad example set by the Indian team. All said, there is still no official announcement regarding the matter and the tour is on schedule as of now.