Big Bash teams on the move to Melbourne due to COVID-19 outbreaks

Cricket Australia will play three Big Bash double-headers in Victoria in a bid to make up games lost through COVID-19 outbreaks.

Officials confirmed on Saturday all teams will be housed in Melbourne, as part of a plan first revealed through the week.

Matches will still be played around the country, with fly-in fly-out events in Brisbane, Adelaide and Sydney in the next week.

No games will however be played in Tasmania, with Hobart’s home clash against the Sydney Thunder moved to the MCG.

A return clash between the teams, which was meant to be held at Sydney’s Olympics Park Stadium, has also been moved to Melbourne.

Double-headers will, in turn, be played at the MCG on Monday, in Geelong on Tuesday and then Marvel Stadium on Thursday.

By week’s end, 11 matches would have been played with only the postponed clash between Brisbane and the Sydney Sixers still to be made up.

“The past week has thrown many COVID-related challenges the Big Bash’s way,” BBL boss Alistair Dobson said.

“But, throughout, we have remained steadfast in our resolve to safely and successfully complete the season.

“These changes are designed to help the league and clubs deliver on this while also reducing risks to players, support staff and the matches themselves.

“Having our players based in one state provides significantly greater flexibility to manage any further impacts of COVID-19.”

Every team in the competition has been impacted by COVID-19, with the exception of the Adelaide Strikers who are yet to have a player contract the virus.

Brisbane remain the most impacted with 12 players confirmed as positive, as well as a member of their coaching staff.

The Melbourne Stars have also had a dozen players miss two matches, but they will have the majority of their men back for Monday’s clash with the Strikers.

AAP

Revised schedule (all times AEDT unless stated):

January 10, 2:10pm: Hobart Hurricanes v Sydney Thunder, MCG

January 10, 7:15pm: Melbourne Stars v Adelaide Strikers, MCG

January 11, 2:10pm: Perth Scorchers v Melbourne Stars, Kardinia Park 

January 11: 7:15pm: Melbourne Renegades v Sydney Sixers, Kardinia Park

January 12, 6:15pm: Brisbane Heat v Adelaide Strikers, Gabba

January 13, 3:45pm: Sydney Thunder v Hobart Hurricanes, Docklands Stadium

January 13, 7:35pm: Melbourne Renegades v Melbourne Stars, Docklands Stadium

January 14, 10:10am ACDT: Adelaide Strikers v Perth Scorchers, Adelaide Oval

January 15, 10:10am ACDT: Adelaide Strikers v Melbourne Stars, Adelaide Oval

January 15, 6:40pm: Sydney Sixers v Sydney Thunder, SCG

January 16, 7:15pm: Melbourne Stars v Brisbane Heat, MCG