In a historic display of "cricket diplomacy," Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on July 10, 2026, accompanied by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. During this landmark visit, PM Modi officially announced India's bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games.

Indian PM Modi visited the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground

Right after lunch on day three (on Thursday) during the MCG Test between Australia and Pakistan, the play was halted for around six minutes because the third umpire - Richard Illingworth, got stuck in a lift and failed to return on time for the game to begin.

The players returned to the middle after lunch break for a scheduled 1:25 pm (local time) start. However, everyone waited as two on-field umpires didn’t allow the game to get underway because Illingworth couldn’t return to his position in the grandstand.

At that time, both batters David Warner and Steve Smith had to wait to resume batting, with Australia’s scorecard reading 6 for two.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sa-v-ind-social-media-is-a-pressure-if-affects-you-kl-rahul-on-dealing-with-online-abuse-674199">SA v IND: Social media is a pressure, if affects you: KL Rahul on dealing with online abuse</a>

Meanwhile, a few minutes later, the fourth umpire, Phil Gillespie, ran from the ground to the third umpire’s room for the game to start.&nbsp;

After the lift issue was resolved, Illingworth reached his place a few minutes later, giving everyone a light-hearted wave as he sat down.

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A wild Richard Illingworth appeared! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvPAK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvPAK</a> <a href="https://t.co/7Rsqci4whn">pic.twitter.com/7Rsqci4whn</a>
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1740200124972761504?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2023</a></blockquote>
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While Cricket Australia (on their social media handles) detailed everyone on what went behind the scenes, the MCG reverted, saying, ‘Sorry’.&nbsp;

"The game is delayed because the third umpire...is stuck in the lift," Cricket Australia posted on X.

The MCG was quick to reply: "Sorry."

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The game is delayed because the third umpire ... is stuck in the lift <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvPAK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvPAK</a> <a href="https://t.co/eSuKyPQp56">pic.twitter.com/eSuKyPQp56</a>
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1740198517560537323?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, Channel Seven host Mel McLaughlin got stuck in the same lift and revealed it took them about ten minutes to come out.

<h2>Cummins picks five-for</h2>

Captain Pat Cummins was the star bowler for Australia in the first innings, picking a five-for, with Nathan Lyon returning with four for 73. Muhammad Rizwan hit 42, while handy contributions from the tail (33 from Aamer Jamal and 21 from Shaheen Afridi) helped Pakistan close the gap as they got all out for 264.

<h3>Pakistan strike gold early on</h3>

Unlike how they fared thus far Down Under, Pakistan bowlers struck gold in the second innings, removing opener Usman Khawaja and batter Marnus Labuschagne in quick succession. Before Australia could stage a comeback, debutant Mir Hamza removed Warner and Travis Head to push their back against the wall.

With the scorecard reading 16 for four, the home team was staring at trouble.

Smith and Mitchell Marsh, however, bailed the team out with a 100-plus stand, putting them back in the game.&nbsp;

Right after lunch on day three (on Thursday) during the MCG Test between Australia and Pakistan, the play was halted for around six minutes because the third umpire - Richard Illingworth, got stuck in a lift and failed to return on time for the game to begin.

Right after lunch on day three (on Thursday) during the MCG Test between Australia and Pakistan, the play was halted for around six minutes because the third umpire - Richard Illingworth, got stuck in a lift and failed to return on time for the game to begin. The players returned to the middle after lunch break for a scheduled 1:25 pm (local time) start. However, everyone waited as two on-field umpires didn’t allow the game to get underway because Illingworth couldn’t return to his position in the grandstand. At that time, both batters David Warner and Steve Smith had to wait to resume batting, with Australia’s scorecard reading 6 for two. ALSO READ: SA v IND: Social media is a pressure, if affects you: KL Rahul on dealing with online abuse Meanwhile, a few minutes later, the fourth umpire, Phil Gillespie, ran from the ground to the third umpire’s room for the game to start. After the lift issue was resolved, Illingworth reached his place a few minutes later, giving everyone a light-hearted wave as he sat down. A wild Richard Illingworth appeared! #AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/7Rsqci4whn — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 28, 2023 × While Cricket Australia (on their social media handles) detailed everyone on what went behind the scenes, the MCG reverted, saying, ‘Sorry’. "The game is delayed because the third umpire...is stuck in the lift," Cricket Australia posted on X. The MCG was quick to reply: "Sorry." The game is delayed because the third umpire ... is stuck in the lift #AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/eSuKyPQp56 — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 28, 2023 × Meanwhile, Channel Seven host Mel McLaughlin got stuck in the same lift and revealed it took them about ten minutes to come out. Cummins picks five-for Captain Pat Cummins was the star bowler for Australia in the first innings, picking a five-for, with Nathan Lyon returning with four for 73. Muhammad Rizwan hit 42, while handy contributions from the tail (33 from Aamer Jamal and 21 from Shaheen Afridi) helped Pakistan close the gap as they got all out for 264. Pakistan strike gold early on Unlike how they fared thus far Down Under, Pakistan bowlers struck gold in the second innings, removing opener Usman Khawaja and batter Marnus Labuschagne in quick succession. Before Australia could stage a comeback, debutant Mir Hamza removed Warner and Travis Head to push their back against the wall. With the scorecard reading 16 for four, the home team was staring at trouble. Smith and Mitchell Marsh, however, bailed the team out with a 100-plus stand, putting them back in the game.

AUS v PAK: Play delayed after third umpire gets stuck in lift at MCG during Boxing Day Test

The Women Big Bash League (WBBL) season is all set to kick off on Thursday, October 19 with the 59-game season highlighted by the addition of Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) and Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) to the schedule. The latest season will also see a blockbuster final week where MCG, SCG along with Adelaide Oval will host standalone matches while the majority of the season will be played in a home-away format.

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A lil something for your fridge/wall/desktop background 😎 
 
Join your club's <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WBBL09?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WBBL09</a> journey - <a href="https://t.co/1RT5bR0uxr">https://t.co/1RT5bR0uxr</a> <a href="https://t.co/cIIlL6d3pF">pic.twitter.com/cIIlL6d3pF</a>
— Weber Women's Big Bash League (@WBBL) <a href="https://twitter.com/WBBL/status/1679280847307022336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 13, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2>MCG, SCG to host WBBL</h2>

The latest season will have the addition of MCG and SCG with the venues not in use for the WBBL since the 2019-20 season. The high-profile venues will be in use along with the Adelaide Oval from Friday, November 24. The latest season will also see the season remain with the same format of 56-league games while the Big Bash League (BBL) was trimmed to 44 matches. The start of the season will see each team play at least one match on home turf in the first nine days of the tournament.

"As the best cricket league in the world and with the best players in the world, looking to start to play games in the biggest and best stadiums is a really important part of (the league’s evolution)," said Alistair Dobson, CA's general manager of Big Bash Leagues.

"Doing it on a smaller scale this year with three or four matches at different venues is a good way of starting to build momentum as part of a longer-term journey.

The MCG will be the biggest attraction of all having hosted the 2020 Women's T20 World Cup final. The contest attracted a record-crowd of audience of 86,174 but there are not many expectations from the organisers this time.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-wi-1st-test-ravichandran-ashwin-joins-elite-club-after-dismissing-chanderpaul-know-more-614967">IND vs WI 1st Test: Ravichandran Ashwin joins ELITE club after dismissing Chanderpaul | Know More</a>

<h2>What are the key dates?</h2>

While the season starts on October 19 with Sydney Sixers host Melbourne Stars under the lights it will be the final week of the league season that could attract a big crowd. The standalone phase of the season will start on Friday, November 24 when the Heat play the Thunder before Adelaide Strikers host Perth Scorchers.

The season will conclude on Saturday, December 2 which will leave the door open for the BBL to start in the second week of the month.

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The Women Big Bash League (WBBL) season is all set to kick off on Thursday, October 19 with the 59-game season highlighted by the addition of Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) and Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) to the schedule.

The Women Big Bash League (WBBL) season is all set to kick off on Thursday, October 19 with the 59-game season highlighted by the addition of Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) and Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) to the schedule. The latest season will also see a blockbuster final week where MCG, SCG along with Adelaide Oval will host standalone matches while the majority of the season will be played in a home-away format. A lil something for your fridge/wall/desktop background 😎 Join your club's #WBBL09 journey - https://t.co/1RT5bR0uxr pic.twitter.com/cIIlL6d3pF — Weber Women's Big Bash League (@WBBL) July 13, 2023 × MCG, SCG to host WBBL The latest season will have the addition of MCG and SCG with the venues not in use for the WBBL since the 2019-20 season. The high-profile venues will be in use along with the Adelaide Oval from Friday, November 24. The latest season will also see the season remain with the same format of 56-league games while the Big Bash League (BBL) was trimmed to 44 matches. The start of the season will see each team play at least one match on home turf in the first nine days of the tournament. "As the best cricket league in the world and with the best players in the world, looking to start to play games in the biggest and best stadiums is a really important part of (the league’s evolution)," said Alistair Dobson, CA's general manager of Big Bash Leagues. "Doing it on a smaller scale this year with three or four matches at different venues is a good way of starting to build momentum as part of a longer-term journey. The MCG will be the biggest attraction of all having hosted the 2020 Women's T20 World Cup final. The contest attracted a record-crowd of audience of 86,174 but there are not many expectations from the organisers this time. ALSO READ | IND vs WI 1st Test: Ravichandran Ashwin joins ELITE club after dismissing Chanderpaul | Know More What are the key dates? While the season starts on October 19 with Sydney Sixers host Melbourne Stars under the lights it will be the final week of the league season that could attract a big crowd. The standalone phase of the season will start on Friday, November 24 when the Heat play the Thunder before Adelaide Strikers host Perth Scorchers. The season will conclude on Saturday, December 2 which will leave the door open for the BBL to start in the second week of the month. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

WBBL 2023: MCG, SCG set to host standalone matches in fully-fledged home-and-away format

Explore Australia's Melbourne city with WION Traveller. Join WION's Johan Castell as he travels through Victoria's Melbourne and features the best things to do while visiting the city, hosted by Visit Victoria. We show you what a tour to the Melbourne Cricket Ground looks like, and visit the heritage Queen Victoria Market and take a tour with the official tour guide Mercellez. A visit to the Brighton Bathing Boxes and digging into their background is also included. Let's not forget the food available in the city, we go on a long foodie's tour of the city that lasts an entire afternoon before finishing off at the upmarket Farmer's Daughters restaurant in the Central Business District of Melbourne.

Exploring Melbourne - Highlights of visiting Victoria | WION Traveller

In the match between India and Pakistan where India have won the match with 4 wickets in hand. It was a spectacular chase by team India as they were down to 31 for 4 at a point of time but then it was the 'King Kohli' show all the way.

India beats Pakistan at Melbourne Cricket Ground, Virat Kohli guides India to victory

In a tribute to cricket legend Shane Warne, Cricket Australia named a stand in memory of the spin legend at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Wednesday.

Warne's children unveiled the stand in memory of the Australian leg-spinner, who died earlier this month.

Shane Warne had a memorial service in Melbourne, in which the great singer Sir Elton John performed a heartfelt tribute.

Family members, colleagues, stars from sports, music and film came together to say goodbye to "the greatest."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ms-dhoni-knew-how-to-use-ravichandran-ashwin-parthiv-patel-has-his-say-on-spinners-ipl-performances-467217">'MS Dhoni knew how to use Ravichandran Ashwin': Parthiv Patel has his say on spinner's IPL performances</a>

Earlier, a huge crowd gathered at the Melbourne Cricket Ground as Australians bid their final adieu to Warne.

Warne, considered one of the greatest cricketers of all times, died aged 52 earlier this month from a suspected heart attack in Koh Samui, Thailand.

A private funeral was held before, which was attended by dozens of celebrities, friends, family and former cricket players.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-was-surprised-that-shreyas-iyer-did-not-wasim-jaffer-on-kkr-captains-decision-making-vs-rcb-467208">'I was surprised that Shreyas Iyer did not...': Wasim Jaffer on KKR captain's decision-making vs RCB</a>

Warne famously claimed his 700th Test wicket at the ground on Boxing Day in 2006 when he dismissed England captain Andrew Strauss and finished his career with 56 Test wickets at the iconic venue.

Warne was one of the most influential cricketers in history. He almost single-handedly reinvented the art of leg-spin when he burst onto the international scene in the early 1990s, and by the time he retired from international cricket in 2007, he had become the first bowler to reach 700 Test wickets.

In a tribute to cricket legend Shane Warne, Cricket Australia named a stand in memory of the spin legend at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Wednesday. Warne's children unveiled the stand in memory of the Australian leg-spinner, who died earlier this month.

In a tribute to cricket legend Shane Warne, Cricket Australia named a stand in memory of the spin legend at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Wednesday. Warne's children unveiled the stand in memory of the Australian leg-spinner, who died earlier this month. Shane Warne had a memorial service in Melbourne, in which the great singer Sir Elton John performed a heartfelt tribute. Family members, colleagues, stars from sports, music and film came together to say goodbye to "the greatest." ALSO READ: 'MS Dhoni knew how to use Ravichandran Ashwin': Parthiv Patel has his say on spinner's IPL performances Earlier, a huge crowd gathered at the Melbourne Cricket Ground as Australians bid their final adieu to Warne. Warne, considered one of the greatest cricketers of all times, died aged 52 earlier this month from a suspected heart attack in Koh Samui, Thailand. A private funeral was held before, which was attended by dozens of celebrities, friends, family and former cricket players. ALSO READ: 'I was surprised that Shreyas Iyer did not...': Wasim Jaffer on KKR captain's decision-making vs RCB Warne famously claimed his 700th Test wicket at the ground on Boxing Day in 2006 when he dismissed England captain Andrew Strauss and finished his career with 56 Test wickets at the iconic venue. Warne was one of the most influential cricketers in history. He almost single-handedly reinvented the art of leg-spin when he burst onto the international scene in the early 1990s, and by the time he retired from international cricket in 2007, he had become the first bowler to reach 700 Test wickets.

Shane Warne Stand unveiled at iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground in memory of spin legend

A state memorial service for cricketing great Shane Warne will be held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on the evening of March 30, the Premier of his home state Victoria announced on Wednesday.

Warne died on Friday at the age of 52 while on holiday on the Thai island of Koh Samui. Local authorities said Warne died of a suspected heart attack and congenital disease.

His body remains in Bangkok awaiting a flight back to Melbourne, where he will be buried at a private family funeral ahead of the state service.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/body-of-shane-warne-remains-in-thailand-as-australia-arranges-return-home-460323">Body of Shane Warne remains in Thailand as Australia arranges return home</a>

Victoria Premier Dan Andrews announced that the wider community would have the chance to mourn Australia's most prolific wicket-taker at the 100,000-seater stadium in late March.

"There's nowhere in the world more appropriate to farewell Warnie than the 'G," Andrews Tweeted.

"Victorians will be able to pay tribute to Shane and his contribution (to) our state, and his sport, at a memorial service at the MCG on the evening of March 30th. Info and tickets will be available soon."

Tributes from across the world have continued to pour in for Warne since his death, with Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison calling him "one of our nation's greatest characters".

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/viral-shane-warnes-close-friend-shares-spin-wizards-final-image-before-sudden-demise-see-pic-460330">VIRAL: Shane Warne's close friend shares spin wizard's final image before sudden demise - See pic</a>

Born and bred in Melbourne, Warne took his 700th test wicket in front of a crowd of 89,155 at the MCG during the fourth Ashes test against England on Boxing Day, 2006.

The Victoria government announced at the weekend that the Great Southern Stand at the stadium, where his most passionate fans would once gather, would soon be renamed the S.K. Warne stand in his honour.

A state memorial service for cricketing great Shane Warne will be held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on the evening of March 30, the Premier of his home state Victoria announced on Wednesday.

A state memorial service for cricketing great Shane Warne will be held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on the evening of March 30, the Premier of his home state Victoria announced on Wednesday. Warne died on Friday at the age of 52 while on holiday on the Thai island of Koh Samui. Local authorities said Warne died of a suspected heart attack and congenital disease. His body remains in Bangkok awaiting a flight back to Melbourne, where he will be buried at a private family funeral ahead of the state service. ALSO READ: Body of Shane Warne remains in Thailand as Australia arranges return home Victoria Premier Dan Andrews announced that the wider community would have the chance to mourn Australia's most prolific wicket-taker at the 100,000-seater stadium in late March. "There's nowhere in the world more appropriate to farewell Warnie than the 'G," Andrews Tweeted. "Victorians will be able to pay tribute to Shane and his contribution (to) our state, and his sport, at a memorial service at the MCG on the evening of March 30th. Info and tickets will be available soon." Tributes from across the world have continued to pour in for Warne since his death, with Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison calling him "one of our nation's greatest characters". ALSO READ: VIRAL: Shane Warne's close friend shares spin wizard's final image before sudden demise - See pic Born and bred in Melbourne, Warne took his 700th test wicket in front of a crowd of 89,155 at the MCG during the fourth Ashes test against England on Boxing Day, 2006. The Victoria government announced at the weekend that the Great Southern Stand at the stadium, where his most passionate fans would once gather, would soon be renamed the S.K. Warne stand in his honour.

Australian legend Shane Warne's state memorial service to be held at Melbourne Cricket Ground on March 30

The Great Southern Stand at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) will be renamed after the SK Warne Stand as soon as possible, Victorian Sports Minister Martin Pakula announced on Saturday.

Australian cricket, along with the entire cricketing world, is in a state of shock at the loss of Shane Warne, a true cricketing genius, who died aged 52.

The legendary spinner passed away after a suspected heart attack.

"I don't want to talk through talk about the renaming process other than to say I had a conversation with Dan a couple of hours ago and he's exchanged messages with Shane's brother and whilst they might be a technical process that would normally be gone through, sometimes you need to dispense with that," Sydney Morning Herald quoted Pakula as saying.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/we-grew-up-idolising-him-had-his-posters-australia-captain-pat-cummins-reacts-to-shane-warnes-demise-459185">'We grew up idolising him, had his posters': Australia captain Pat Cummins reacts to Shane Warne's demise</a>

"You need to respond in the way that I think the whole community would think is appropriate," he added.

Warne was one of the most influential cricketers in history.

He almost single-handedly reinvented the art of leg-spin when he burst onto the international scene in the early 1990s, and by the time he retired from international cricket in 2007, he had become the first bowler to reach 700 Test wickets.

A central figure in Australia's ICC Cricket World Cup triumph in 1999, when he was player of the match in both the semi-final and the final, Wisden Cricketers'&nbsp;Almanack recognised Shane's achievements by naming him as one of its Five Cricketers of the Twentieth Century.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-pays-heartfelt-tribute-to-shane-warne-hails-him-as-greatest-spinner-ever-watch-459174">Virat Kohli pays heartfelt tribute to Shane Warne, hails him as 'greatest spinner ever' - WATCH</a>

Shane finished his international career with 708 Test wickets and a further 293 in One-Day Internationals, placing him second in the list of all-time international wicket-takers behind his great friend and rival Muttiah Muralitharan of Sri Lanka (1,347).

Shane also captained Australia in 11 One-Day Internationals, winning 10 and losing just once.

The Great Southern Stand at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) will be renamed after the SK Warne Stand as soon as possible, Victorian Sports Minister Martin Pakula announced on Saturday.

The Great Southern Stand at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) will be renamed after the SK Warne Stand as soon as possible, Victorian Sports Minister Martin Pakula announced on Saturday. Australian cricket, along with the entire cricketing world, is in a state of shock at the loss of Shane Warne, a true cricketing genius, who died aged 52. The legendary spinner passed away after a suspected heart attack. "I don't want to talk through talk about the renaming process other than to say I had a conversation with Dan a couple of hours ago and he's exchanged messages with Shane's brother and whilst they might be a technical process that would normally be gone through, sometimes you need to dispense with that," Sydney Morning Herald quoted Pakula as saying. ALSO READ: 'We grew up idolising him, had his posters': Australia captain Pat Cummins reacts to Shane Warne's demise "You need to respond in the way that I think the whole community would think is appropriate," he added. Warne was one of the most influential cricketers in history. He almost single-handedly reinvented the art of leg-spin when he burst onto the international scene in the early 1990s, and by the time he retired from international cricket in 2007, he had become the first bowler to reach 700 Test wickets. A central figure in Australia's ICC Cricket World Cup triumph in 1999, when he was player of the match in both the semi-final and the final, Wisden Cricketers' Almanack recognised Shane's achievements by naming him as one of its Five Cricketers of the Twentieth Century. ALSO READ: Virat Kohli pays heartfelt tribute to Shane Warne, hails him as 'greatest spinner ever' - WATCH Shane finished his international career with 708 Test wickets and a further 293 in One-Day Internationals, placing him second in the list of all-time international wicket-takers behind his great friend and rival Muttiah Muralitharan of Sri Lanka (1,347). Shane also captained Australia in 11 One-Day Internationals, winning 10 and losing just once.

Great Southern Stand at MCG to be renamed after legendary spinner Shane Warne

A fan present who attended India vs Australia the Boxing Day Test match has tested positive for novel coronavirus, the Melbourne Cricket Club confirmed on Wednesday. According to the club's statement, the fan was not infectious while attending the game on Day 2 – December 27, 2020, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/quarantine-is-challenging-when-life-in-sydney-is-normal-india-captain-ajinkya-rahane-354796" hreflang="en">Quarantine is challenging when life in Sydney is normal: India captain Ajinkya Rahane</a>

The Department of Health and Human Services has also urged the other spectators to get themselves tested and isolate if they sat nearby.

“The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is recommending those who were seated in Zone 5, located in The Great Southern Stand, on Sunday, December 27, 2020, between 12.30 pm and 3.30 pm to get tested and isolate until they receive a negative result,” said the MCC in an official statement.

“While the patron was not infectious while attending the Boxing Day Test at the MCG and subsequently tested positive to COVID-19, the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is recommending those who were seated in Zone 5, located in The Great Southern Stand, on Sunday, December 27, 2020, between 12.30 pm and 3.30 pm to get tested and isolate until they receive a negative result.

“Extensive cleaning of the MCG took place after each day of the Boxing Day Test and, out of an abundance of caution, a deep clean of the identified area is now underway. During an event at the MCG, high levels of constant cleaning occurs and there are over 275 hand sanitising stations located throughout the venue,” it added.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/aus-vs-ind-tensions-broil-over-team-india-brisbane-boycott-reports-354805" hreflang="en">AUS vs IND: Tensions broil over Team India Brisbane boycott reports</a>

Sydney will be hosting the third Test and the New South Wales government has now made the wearing of masks mandatory at all times for the crowd at the SCG Test.

As per Reuters, the Sydney Cricket Ground will host just 10,000 spectators due to the COVID-19 outbreak in the city.&nbsp;

“I want to stress that Victoria announcing a new case that they don’t yet know the source of at the MCG is obviously influencing our thinking about what we should be doing to keep New South Wales safe,” New South Wales Health Minister Brad Hazzard was quoted as saying.

A fan present who attended India vs Australia the Boxing Day Test match has tested positive for novel coronavirus, the Melbourne Cricket Club confirmed on Wednesday.

A fan present who attended India vs Australia the Boxing Day Test match has tested positive for novel coronavirus, the Melbourne Cricket Club confirmed on Wednesday. According to the club's statement, the fan was not infectious while attending the game on Day 2 – December 27, 2020, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. ALSO READ: Quarantine is challenging when life in Sydney is normal: India captain Ajinkya Rahane The Department of Health and Human Services has also urged the other spectators to get themselves tested and isolate if they sat nearby. “The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is recommending those who were seated in Zone 5, located in The Great Southern Stand, on Sunday, December 27, 2020, between 12.30 pm and 3.30 pm to get tested and isolate until they receive a negative result,” said the MCC in an official statement. “While the patron was not infectious while attending the Boxing Day Test at the MCG and subsequently tested positive to COVID-19, the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is recommending those who were seated in Zone 5, located in The Great Southern Stand, on Sunday, December 27, 2020, between 12.30 pm and 3.30 pm to get tested and isolate until they receive a negative result. “Extensive cleaning of the MCG took place after each day of the Boxing Day Test and, out of an abundance of caution, a deep clean of the identified area is now underway. During an event at the MCG, high levels of constant cleaning occurs and there are over 275 hand sanitising stations located throughout the venue,” it added. ALSO READ: AUS vs IND: Tensions broil over Team India Brisbane boycott reports Sydney will be hosting the third Test and the New South Wales government has now made the wearing of masks mandatory at all times for the crowd at the SCG Test. As per Reuters, the Sydney Cricket Ground will host just 10,000 spectators due to the COVID-19 outbreak in the city. “I want to stress that Victoria announcing a new case that they don’t yet know the source of at the MCG is obviously influencing our thinking about what we should be doing to keep New South Wales safe,” New South Wales Health Minister Brad Hazzard was quoted as saying.

A fan who attended the IND vs AUS Boxing Day Test at MCG, tests positive for COVID-19

India, after suffering humiliation in the Adelaide Test, showed immense character to bounce back and dominate Australia in the Boxing Day Test, played at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. Rahane was one of the orchestrators of the memorable win as he led the side with a fantastic century in the first innings.

The stand-in skipper got his name engraved onto the Melbourne Cricket Board honours board for the 2nd time in his career for scoring a crucial century.&nbsp;

In 2014, Rahane found his name on the prestigious honours board for the first time following his 147-run knock in a drawn Test in Melbourne. His name was engraved along with Kohli, who scored 169 off 272 balls in the same Test match.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) shared a video of an MCG staff engraving Rahane’s name on the honours board. The caption of the video read, “After leading from the front with a fantastic ton in the Boxing Day Test against Australia, @ajinkyarahane88 has his name engraved on the MCG Honours Board for the second time.”

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After leading from the front with a fantastic ton in the Boxing Day Test against Australia, <a href="https://twitter.com/ajinkyarahane88?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ajinkyarahane88</a> has his name engraved on the MCG Honours Board for the second time. 👏👏<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/z7vDe5dG4U">pic.twitter.com/z7vDe5dG4U</a>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1344179207279013889?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Rahane’s aggressive captaincy and shrewd decision making was largely praised by pundits and former cricketers as India bounced back to level the series 1-1.

India and Australia will lock horns in the New Year’s Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground, scheduled to start from January 7.

India, after suffering humiliation in the Adelaide Test, showed immense character to bounce back and dominate Australia in the Boxing Day Test, played at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground.

India, after suffering humiliation in the Adelaide Test, showed immense character to bounce back and dominate Australia in the Boxing Day Test, played at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. Rahane was one of the orchestrators of the memorable win as he led the side with a fantastic century in the first innings. The stand-in skipper got his name engraved onto the Melbourne Cricket Board honours board for the 2nd time in his career for scoring a crucial century. In 2014, Rahane found his name on the prestigious honours board for the first time following his 147-run knock in a drawn Test in Melbourne. His name was engraved along with Kohli, who scored 169 off 272 balls in the same Test match. On Wednesday, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) shared a video of an MCG staff engraving Rahane’s name on the honours board. The caption of the video read, “After leading from the front with a fantastic ton in the Boxing Day Test against Australia, @ajinkyarahane88 has his name engraved on the MCG Honours Board for the second time.” After leading from the front with a fantastic ton in the Boxing Day Test against Australia, @ajinkyarahane88 has his name engraved on the MCG Honours Board for the second time. 👏👏#TeamIndia #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/z7vDe5dG4U — BCCI (@BCCI) December 30, 2020 × Rahane’s aggressive captaincy and shrewd decision making was largely praised by pundits and former cricketers as India bounced back to level the series 1-1. India and Australia will lock horns in the New Year’s Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground, scheduled to start from January 7.

India's Ajinkya Rahane gets his name engraved MCG honours board for 2nd time

The drop-in pitches at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) may not be as well-prepared for next month`s second Test between India and Australia due to a lack of trial on the pitch, Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC) chief executive Stuart Fox has said. 
 
"It is a concern for me because I would like to give them every opportunity to trial the pitches but we [were to have had] a test event the other day and Cricket Victoria were supporting us, we were meant to have players and a two-day game and we had the pitch ready to go but the game got cancelled the night before and that was really, ultimately, the result of the situation in South Australia," Fox was quoted as saying by the Age and Sydney Morning Herald. 
 
Plans for a two-day trial match at the MCG this week to test the drop-in pitches were abandoned. "I think it demonstrates how vulnerable we still are day by day. Ideally, we would love to have a game and we are still working on that but, ultimately, it may not happen," he said. 
 
The traditional Boxing Day Test begins on December 26. 
 
The report added that the MCG could also not host the opening rounds of Sheffield Shield and the first four rounds were held in Adelaide, which has now got severely hit by coronavirus outbreak. 
 
&nbsp;

The drop-in pitches at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) may not be as well-prepared for next month`s second Test between India and Australia due to a lack of trial on the pitch, Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC) chief executive Stuart Fox has said.

The drop-in pitches at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) may not be as well-prepared for next month`s second Test between India and Australia due to a lack of trial on the pitch, Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC) chief executive Stuart Fox has said. "It is a concern for me because I would like to give them every opportunity to trial the pitches but we [were to have had] a test event the other day and Cricket Victoria were supporting us, we were meant to have players and a two-day game and we had the pitch ready to go but the game got cancelled the night before and that was really, ultimately, the result of the situation in South Australia," Fox was quoted as saying by the Age and Sydney Morning Herald. Plans for a two-day trial match at the MCG this week to test the drop-in pitches were abandoned. "I think it demonstrates how vulnerable we still are day by day. Ideally, we would love to have a game and we are still working on that but, ultimately, it may not happen," he said. The traditional Boxing Day Test begins on December 26. The report added that the MCG could also not host the opening rounds of Sheffield Shield and the first four rounds were held in Adelaide, which has now got severely hit by coronavirus outbreak.

India-Australia 2nd Test: MCG's drop-in pitch may not up to mark

Melbourne’s liberation from its COVID-19 lockdown has boosted hopes of crowds attending some of Australia’s major sporting events in the country’s second-biggest city.

Melbourne’s liberation from its COVID-19 lockdown has boosted hopes of crowds attending some of Australia’s major sporting events in the country’s second-biggest city. The Australian men’s cricket team is slated to host India in the traditional Boxing Day test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground from Dec. 26, while the world’s top tennis players are due to play the Australian Open, 2021’s first Grand Slam, in January. Restaurants, pubs and retail businesses in Melbourne, home to 5 million people, will reopen from Wednesday after more than three months under a stringent lockdown. Authorities will also allow limited social visits to houses. “I am very confident we’ll get a crowd at the ‘G (MCG) for the Boxing Day test,” Victoria state premier Daniel Andrews told reporters. “I don’t know how big it will be but there will be a crowd there. “That is the advice I have and that is what we’re working towards.” The 100,000-seat MCG drew more than 80,000 fans to day one of Australia’s Boxing Day test against New Zealand last year. Governing body Cricket Australia are yet to confirm dates for the home summer but the first test of the four-match series against India is expected to start in Adelaide on Dec. 17. The Australian Open starts on Jan. 18 and organisers hope to welcome at least 100,000 domestic spectators, just over 10% of the usual attendance, to Melbourne Park over the course of the two-week tournament.

End of Melbourne lockdown paves way for crowds at cricket, tennis

The world's biggest cricket stadium, with space for 110,000 spectators, is taking shape in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-army-receives-first-batch-of-sig-sauer-assault-rifles-to-fight-against-terrorists-pakistan-army-on-loc-267559">India </a>and is likely to host its first international match early next year.

The new stadium in Ahmedabad, built at a cost of around $100 million, will seat more fans than Australia's Melbourne Cricket Ground which can accommodate around 100,000 spectators.

According to reports, the Sardar Patel stadium is expected to host its first match in March with an exhibition game between an Asia XI and a World XI as the inaugural game.

The stadium will have more than 70 corporate boxes, four dressing rooms, a clubhouse and an Olympic-size swimming pool. Its construction began in January 2017.

It will overtake <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/india-beat-bangladesh-by-an-inning-and-46-runs-to-win-the-series-2-0-264248">Kolkata's Eden Gardens</a>, currently India's biggest stadium with a capacity of 66,000 -&nbsp;down from 100,000 after a major rebuilding project.

India, the world's top-ranked Test team, has more than a dozen stadiums capable of holding international cricket matches. Test matches, however, often attract sparse crowds.

The world's biggest cricket stadium, with space for 110,000 spectators, is taking shape in India and is likely to host its first international match early next year.

The world's biggest cricket stadium, with space for 110,000 spectators, is taking shape in India and is likely to host its first international match early next year. The new stadium in Ahmedabad, built at a cost of around $100 million, will seat more fans than Australia's Melbourne Cricket Ground which can accommodate around 100,000 spectators. According to reports, the Sardar Patel stadium is expected to host its first match in March with an exhibition game between an Asia XI and a World XI as the inaugural game. The stadium will have more than 70 corporate boxes, four dressing rooms, a clubhouse and an Olympic-size swimming pool. Its construction began in January 2017. It will overtake Kolkata's Eden Gardens, currently India's biggest stadium with a capacity of 66,000 - down from 100,000 after a major rebuilding project. India, the world's top-ranked Test team, has more than a dozen stadiums capable of holding international cricket matches. Test matches, however, often attract sparse crowds.

World's biggest cricket stadium takes shape in India

Fans gather for Australia vs India Boxing Day Test

Rain fails to dampen spirits as Indian fans flock Melbourne Cricket Ground for second T20

Virat Kohli-led team India will tour Australia from November 2018 to January 2019 to play four Tests, three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and three Twenty20 International (T20I) matches.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni was dropped from India's Twenty20 squad for this crucial away assignment.

At his&nbsp;place,&nbsp;the two keepers in the two T20 squads announced are Rishabh Pant and Dinesh Karthik.

India will play a three-match Twenty20 series before the first Test starts in Adelaide on December 6 with Perth, Melbourne and Sydney hosting the remainder of the Tests before a three-match one-day international series in January.

Experts and former players are seeing this tour as India's best bet to defeat Australia in Tests as the hosts will be without their two key batsman, Steve Smith and David Warner, who are facing a year-long ban for their involvement in ball tampering scandal in South Africa.&nbsp;

Here is the complete&nbsp;schedule:&nbsp;

(All timings in IST)

Australia vs India 
Twenty20 Internationals 
1st T20I | Nov 21, Wed | The Gabba, Brisbane | 1:20 PM

2nd T20I | Nov 23, Fri | Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne | 1:20 PM

3rd T20I | Nov 25, Sun | Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney | 1:20 PM

<hr />
<hr />
Australia vs India 
Test matches 
1st Test | Dec 06, Thu - Dec 10, Mon | Adelaide Oval, Adelaide | 5:30 AM

2nd Test | Dec 14, Fri - Dec 18, Tue | Perth Stadium, Perth | 7:50 AM

3rd Test | Dec 26, Wed - Dec 30, Sun | Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne | 5:00 AM (Dec 26)

4th Test | Jan 03, Thu - Jan 07, Mon | Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney | 5:00 AM (Jan 03)

<hr />
<hr />
Australia vs India 
One-Day Internationals 
1st ODI | Jan 12, Sat | Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney | 8:50 AM

2nd ODI | Jan 15, Tue | Adelaide Oval, Adelaide | 8:50 AM

3rd ODI | Jan 18, Fri | Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne | 8:50 AM

<hr />
<hr />
India's squad:

For&nbsp;Test series: Virat Kohli (C), M Vijay, KL Rahul, Prithvi Shaw, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Hanuma Vihari, Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant, Parthiv Patel, R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Ishant, Umesh Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

For&nbsp;T20I series: Virat Kohli (C), Rohit Sharma (vc), Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Manish Pandey, Dinesh Karthik, Rishabh Pant (wk), Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Washington Sundar, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Umesh Yadav, Khaleel Ahmed.&nbsp;

Australia's&nbsp;squad:

For&nbsp;T20I series: Aaron Finch(c), Alex Carey, Ashton Agar, Jason Behrendorff, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Chris Lynn, Glenn Maxwell, Ben McDermott, D Arcy Short, Billy Stanlake, Marcus Stoinis, Andrew Tye, Adam Zampa.

<hr />
<hr />
&nbsp;

Virat Kohli-led team India will tour Australia from November 2018 to January 2019 to play four Tests, three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and three Twenty20 International (T20I) matches.

Virat Kohli-led team India will tour Australia from November 2018 to January 2019 to play four Tests, three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and three Twenty20 International (T20I) matches. Mahendra Singh Dhoni was dropped from India's Twenty20 squad for this crucial away assignment. At his place, the two keepers in the two T20 squads announced are Rishabh Pant and Dinesh Karthik. India will play a three-match Twenty20 series before the first Test starts in Adelaide on December 6 with Perth, Melbourne and Sydney hosting the remainder of the Tests before a three-match one-day international series in January. Experts and former players are seeing this tour as India's best bet to defeat Australia in Tests as the hosts will be without their two key batsman, Steve Smith and David Warner, who are facing a year-long ban for their involvement in ball tampering scandal in South Africa. Here is the complete schedule: (All timings in IST) Australia vs India Twenty20 Internationals 1st T20I | Nov 21, Wed | The Gabba, Brisbane | 1:20 PM 2nd T20I | Nov 23, Fri | Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne | 1:20 PM 3rd T20I | Nov 25, Sun | Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney | 1:20 PM Australia vs India Test matches 1st Test | Dec 06, Thu - Dec 10, Mon | Adelaide Oval, Adelaide | 5:30 AM 2nd Test | Dec 14, Fri - Dec 18, Tue | Perth Stadium, Perth | 7:50 AM 3rd Test | Dec 26, Wed - Dec 30, Sun | Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne | 5:00 AM (Dec 26) 4th Test | Jan 03, Thu - Jan 07, Mon | Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney | 5:00 AM (Jan 03) Australia vs India One-Day Internationals 1st ODI | Jan 12, Sat | Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney | 8:50 AM 2nd ODI | Jan 15, Tue | Adelaide Oval, Adelaide | 8:50 AM 3rd ODI | Jan 18, Fri | Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne | 8:50 AM India's squad: For Test series: Virat Kohli (C), M Vijay, KL Rahul, Prithvi Shaw, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Hanuma Vihari, Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant, Parthiv Patel, R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Ishant, Umesh Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar. For T20I series: Virat Kohli (C), Rohit Sharma (vc), Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Manish Pandey, Dinesh Karthik, Rishabh Pant (wk), Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Washington Sundar, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Umesh Yadav, Khaleel Ahmed. Australia's squad: For T20I series: Aaron Finch(c), Alex Carey, Ashton Agar, Jason Behrendorff, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Chris Lynn, Glenn Maxwell, Ben McDermott, D Arcy Short, Billy Stanlake, Marcus Stoinis, Andrew Tye, Adam Zampa.

India vs Australia 2018-19: Schedule, Squad, Time and Venue

Selectors would have dropped me over poor form, says Alastair Cook&nbsp;

England opener Alastair Cook on Thursday said the situation for him was such where he could have been dropped for the final Ashes Test had he not performed.&nbsp;

Cook&#39;s masterful double-century has put England in a winning position.

England scored 491/9 at stumps, taking a 164-run lead against the hosts on the third day of the fourth Ashes Test match.&nbsp;

The former captain managed to score only 83 runs in six innings before making 244 not out at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Day 3 of the Boxing Day Test.

&ldquo;(They) would have been entitled just because I literally hadn&#39;t scored a run since Edgbaston,&rdquo; Cook said, referring to his 243 against the West Indies in August.

&ldquo;I always feel I&#39;ve got the backing of the selectors but you&#39;ve still got to deliver the goods, I hadn&#39;t done that on this tour. It was very frustrating,&quot; the 33-year-old added.

With this score, Cook surpassed the highest score by a visiting batsman in a Melbourne Test, bettering the 208 by West Indian Viv Richards in 1984.

The home side had already regained the Ashes urn after they thrashed the visitors by an innings and 41 runs in Perth to take an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series.

The former captain managed to score only 83 runs in six innings before making 244 not out

Selectors would have dropped me over poor form, says Alastair Cook England opener Alastair Cook on Thursday said the situation for him was such where he could have been dropped for the final Ashes Test had he not performed. Cook's masterful double-century has put England in a winning position. England scored 491/9 at stumps, taking a 164-run lead against the hosts on the third day of the fourth Ashes Test match. The former captain managed to score only 83 runs in six innings before making 244 not out at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Day 3 of the Boxing Day Test. “(They) would have been entitled just because I literally hadn't scored a run since Edgbaston,” Cook said, referring to his 243 against the West Indies in August. “I always feel I've got the backing of the selectors but you've still got to deliver the goods, I hadn't done that on this tour. It was very frustrating," the 33-year-old added. With this score, Cook surpassed the highest score by a visiting batsman in a Melbourne Test, bettering the 208 by West Indian Viv Richards in 1984. The home side had already regained the Ashes urn after they thrashed the visitors by an innings and 41 runs in Perth to take an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series.

Selectors would have dropped me over poor form: Alastair Cook on his double-century

England opener Alastair Cook scored his fifth Test double century at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Day 3 of the Boxing Day Test to steer his side to a dominating position.

The former Test captain remained unbeaten at 244*, at the close of play.

The thirty-three-year-old Cook joined the great Wally Hammond (England) and Brian Lara (West Indies) to become the third player to register two overseas double hundreds in Australia.England, who are playing for pride after having already lost the Ashes urn to Australia, bundled out the hosts for 327 in their first innings just after lunch of Day Two.

In reply, the Joe Root-led side were reduced to 80-2 after opener Mark Stoneman and James Vince were dismissed cheaply for 15 and 17 respectively.

However, Cook along with Joe Root (61) and Stuart Broad (56) put England in a rare position of strength.England lead by 164 runs with a wicket remaining at stumps on Day 3.

The home side had already regained the Ashes urn after they thrashed the visitors by an innings and 41 runs in Perth to take an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series.

England build a lead over Australia in the fourth Ashes test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

England opener Alastair Cook scored his fifth Test double century at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Day 3 of the Boxing Day Test to steer his side to a dominating position. The former Test captain remained unbeaten at 244*, at the close of play. The thirty-three-year-old Cook joined the great Wally Hammond (England) and Brian Lara (West Indies) to become the third player to register two overseas double hundreds in Australia.England, who are playing for pride after having already lost the Ashes urn to Australia, bundled out the hosts for 327 in their first innings just after lunch of Day Two. In reply, the Joe Root-led side were reduced to 80-2 after opener Mark Stoneman and James Vince were dismissed cheaply for 15 and 17 respectively. However, Cook along with Joe Root (61) and Stuart Broad (56) put England in a rare position of strength.England lead by 164 runs with a wicket remaining at stumps on Day 3. The home side had already regained the Ashes urn after they thrashed the visitors by an innings and 41 runs in Perth to take an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series.

Ashes, Day 3: England 491-9 at close in reply to Australia's 327