Gabba Test in major doubt as India make huge statement

Only hours before the SCG Test got underway it was reported India will refuse to fly to Brisbane for the fourth Test at the Gabba.

The first two Test matches, with the series levelled at 1-1, were played in friendly spirits between the rivals but India's comments about Brisbane, and the fact they would rather play somewhere other than the Gabba to avoid hotel quarantine, raised eyebrows in Australia's camp.

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That issue was thought to be largely resolved, with players set to be allowed out of their rooms provided they remain in the hotel when not at the ground.

But it didn't come before Nathan Lyon told everyone to "suck it up" and stop complaining earlier this week.

Aussie captain Tim Paine also said tensions were simmering.

"It's boiling away, there's some stuff starting to happen, a bit of chat starting to happen," Paine said.

But just hours before the Third Test was set to get underway, SEN reported India will refuse to fly to Brisbane.

The report suggested the Indian players are fed up with quarantine and the Board of Control for Cricket India has formally requested a change in plan to Cricket Australia.

“The BCCI have formally written to Cricket Australia about the restrictions that will be imposed on the Indian team in Brisbane,” reporter Jimmy Smith told SEN.

“They are against that. They’ve been in lockdown for an extended period of time, of course most of these people were playing in the IPL in Abu Dubai and then came here to Australia.

“So they’re saying ‘nope, too restrictive, once we’ve passed the protocols, why can’t we walk around like the rest of the people in the community. The advice is that they don’t want to go to Brisbane.”

However, Fox Sports reported no formal communication had taken place between the two governing bodies.

Current and former players have questioned whether India are against travelling to play at the Gabba because of Australia’s incredible record at the bouncy stadium.

Even Michael Vaughan, former captain of England, tweeted after the report questioning: “Covid restrictions or the pitch in Brisbane they are concerned about?”

Rahane tight-lipped on Brisbane Test thoughts

India captain Ajiknya Rahane refused to be drawn into the Brisbane hotel quarantine saga, insistent it would not distract his players in the third Test at the SCG.

Rahane became the first India player to speak since a source within their camp aired frustrations over the looming quarantine in Brisbane.

But the stand-in skipper refused to say if his team would travel to the Gabba for the fourth Test or push for it to be played elsewhere, stating that any decisions would be left with team management.

He also pointed out on three separate occasions that the cricketers were living under tougher conditions in Sydney than the general public, who he said were enjoying a normal life.

with AAP

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