The Adelaide Oval’s onsite hotel is all set to serve as a bio-secure bubble for the Australian men’s squad ahead of the high-profile Test series against India later this year, according to media reports.
The players who will return from England will complete their mandatory quarantine period at the Adelaide Oval, however they can train throughout their quarantine period at the new Oval Hotel based at Adelaide Oval, according to a PTI report.
For Australia players like Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc, Marnus Labuschagne and Matthew Wade, the quarantine period at Adelaide Oval bio-secure bubble will mark the start of preparation for a Test summer against heavyweights India and potentially Afghanistan.
“I can’t wait for India to come out … that’s the pinnacle, like the Ashes,” Lyon was quoted as saying by the report in cricket.com.au. “You look at the great players India’s got, it’s going to be a massive challenge.”
According to the report, Cricket Australia also “remains in productive conversations with state governments regarding arrival and quarantine arrangements for the Indian team, as well as Australian players returning from the IPL in the UAE”.
“We would like to thank the South Australian Government and the South Australian Cricket Association for approving CA’s proposal for the return of the Australian men’s team,” Nick Hockley, Cricket Australia’s Interim Chief Executive said in a release.
“There is so much to look forward to this summer, and plenty of work going on behind the scenes to ensure that happens. Today’s announcement will allow the Australian men’s squad to safely stay in Adelaide while also maintaining their training loads for the big season ahead,” he added.
“We are happy that we are able to assist the Australian men’s cricket team on their return to South Australia and at Adelaide Oval in the Oval Hotel,” said SACA Chief Executive Keith Bradshaw in a CA statement.
“Rest assured we have undergone rigorous procedures with Premier Steven Marshall and the SA Government, to ensure the safety of the public and the players. Our hope is that the Oval Hotel can continue to be used in the successful staging of international cricket this season.”
