Boxing Day Test could be moved from MCG, feels Taylor

Melbourne : Former Australia skipper Mark Taylor feels the Boxing Day Test between India and Australia could be moved out of Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in the wake of rising coronavirus cases in Victoria as according to him, a contest of such magnitude must be played in front of a capacity crowd.

Victoria's COVID-19 numbers have increased in the past few days.

"I think there might be some sort of deal with the MCG and Cricket Australia (CA) which means that they have to have the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, but could it move? Yes it could," he told Channel Nine's Sports Sunday.

"If you look at what's happening around Australia, by Christmas time the MCG may only be able to host 10,000-20,000 people, which is not going to look great when you've got a real iconic Test match."

Taylor also opined venues like the Optus stadium in Perth and Adelaide Oval, where the situation is under control, will be vying to get the hosting rights of the sought-after Test match.

"You move that match to Optus Stadium or even the Adelaide Oval, you're going to get full venues.

"Adelaide in particular loves watching the Indians play. The India-Pakistan World Cup match sold out in 52 minutes or something a few years ago.

"The Adelaide Oval and Optus Stadium will be working hard to try and get that game because they would look better with full crowds."

Australia are currently scheduled to play their first Test of the revamped FTP in November, against Afghanistan. It will be followed by the four-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India in December.