Cricket Australia has confirmed that the MCG has been put on standby for the New Years Test as officials continue to work with both the NSW and Queensland Governments to give the SCG every chance of hosting the game.
An outbreak in Sydney's northern beaches has put the location of the Test match in jeopardy, with the area forced into lockdown ahead of the Christmas period.
This has led to multiple states enforcing strict conditions of entry for people from Greater Sydney, requiring them to isolate for 14 days, particularly Queensland, where the fourth Test is set to be held.
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These protocols have already played havoc on the Australian side, with David Warner and Sean Abbott prevented from joining the side for the Boxing Day Test match.
With the Test series set to head to Brisbane after the New Year's Test, Cricket Australia has confirmed that they will look to play the game at the MCG should border restrictions remain in place at that time.
Whilst these provisions have been made, CA Interim CEO Nick Hockley has reaffirmed their commitment towards playing at the SCG.
“We have always maintained that scheduling a full summer of cricket during a global pandemic would require agility, problem-solving and teamwork like never before,” Hockley said in a statement.
“We continue to place the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved as our number one priority.
“The record testing numbers and the drop in new community transmissions in NSW have provided cause for optimism, however if the situation in Sydney deteriorates, we have strong contingency plans in place.
“We are working constructively with the Queensland Government and have been encouraged by the positive nature of discussions with them. We thank the Queensland Government for their support.
“CA has well-established biosecurity protocols in place and through safe completion of the season so far – which has included the women’s internationals in Brisbane, Marsh Sheffield Shield in Adelaide, rebel WBBL in Sydney and the Dettol men’s ODIs and T20s in Sydney and Canberra – has developed a strong track record of safe and responsible return to sport."
A final decision on the third Test venue would be made during the Boxing Day Test.