The fourth Test match between India and Australia will commence “as planned” in Brisbane from January 15, AFP quoted Cricket Australia (CA) chief Nick Hockley saying on Monday. 

There was uncertainty over the scheduled series finale in Brisbane after India were reportedly unwilling to undergo further quarantine and isolation in the city with fresh lockdown measures announced after a case of the UK variant of the coronavirus was detected in the Queensland capital. 

However, Hockley said the original schedule received the green light to go ahead after the lockdown was lifted on Monday and an agreement was reached with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), India’s cricketing governing body.

“The fourth Test will be at the Gabba, as planned. On the basis of yesterday’s discussions we are full steam ahead to play the fourth Test at the Gabba and really looking forward to it,” AFP quoted Hockley saying in an interview with SEN radio. 

He also confirmed he had spoken with Queensland health authorities and the BCCI to give the go-ahead. 

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“I had a call last night from the BCCI secretary, very late last night, and he confirmed we are good to travel to Brisbane on Tuesday. We’re extremely grateful for their support,” he said. 

Health officials had stated both teams will be required to quarantine for a period of 14 days upon arrival in Brisbane. 

Hockley confirmed CA had arranged a chartered plane for the players, who will stay in a hotel “exclusively” for them. 

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk also confirmed the status of the final Test, which will have restrictions on crowd capacity. 

“The Gabba will be filled to half the capacity and masks are mandatory for entering and for leaving and moving around the stadium,” she said. 

The Boxing Day Test in Melbourne was named a possible COVID-19 spreading event after a spectator tested positive, with thousands being tested in the following days. 

The four-match series is currently level at 1-1 after India bounced back from their thumping in Adelaide to beat the hosts at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Ahead of the final day of the third Test, India need to chase down a steep target of 407 to take the lead, while Australia need eight wickets.