A burst of recent Covid-19 cases in Sydney has cast a cloud over the ongoing Australia-India Test series, prompting match broadcasters and production teams to send parts of their staff home as a precautionary measure.
According to Fox Cricket, Brett Lee, the former Australia paceman and one of the commentators for the Tests, flew back home to the North Beaches in Sydney ahead of day two of the Adelaide Test. Lee hasn’t shown any symptoms so far, but has travelled back to be with his family ahead of Christmas.
“We had a good talk last night,” Fox Sports’ executive director Steve Crawley was quoted as saying. “He went back this morning. Of course, everyone is being responsible and he totally understood that.
Hope this new Covid outbreak in Sydney is contained and doesn't affect the tour.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) December 18, 2020
“We have had to send out a number of staff to get them tested. Brett is in the air now, he’s gone back this morning.”
For SEN Radio, Brad Haddin, Gavin Robertson and Matt White have been sent back to Sydney, and will now continue commentary duties from a studio. Both Fox Cricket and Channel 7 have reportedly sent back key personnel, ranging from broadcast directors to cameramen and photographers, in a bid to minimise risk after the recent surge The two networks are said to have agreed to share resources if the need arises.
Sydney had witnessed 28 new cases (as on December 18), ending a two-week period in which no cases were reported, which prompted authorities to impose immediate restrictions. Grade cricket is said to have been suspended in Sydney.
The Australia-India series is being held in a bio-secure environment, along with the ongoing Big Bash League, which has reportedly cost Cricket Australia a combined figure of AUD 30 million.
After the day-night Test in Adelaide, the teams will move to Melbourne for the second Test, with Sydney and Brisbane being named venues for the final two matches.
