Cricket Australia on Monday confirmed that
Brisbane Heat players Chris Lynn and Dan Lawrence have been permitted to play
in the Big Bash League (BBL) match against Sydney Thunder despite coming into
close contact with members of the public. Both players were also tested for
coronavirus and the duo returned negative tests.

CA also said that Lynn and Lawrence will now
be required to maintain a physical distance from other players and match
officials during the match, as per league protocols.

“It is important we maintain the
integrity of the bio-secure hub to ensure the safety of the public, players,
staff, and officials and minimise issues associated with travel between state
borders during the tournament,” said Sean Carroll, CA’s Head of Security
and Integrity in an official release.

“We are always monitoring the public
health situation and attempting to strike the appropriate bio-security balance
between keeping everyone safe on both sides of the hub and providing as much
freedom as possible for those within it. We appreciate that this has been a
challenging year for everyone, but we must insist on our bio-security measures
being respected and followed so as not to jeopardise public health and safety
or the viability of the tournament,” he added.

John Orchard, CA’s Chief Medical Officer, said
that the physical distancing required of Lynn and Lawrence in the match had
been successfully achieved during BBL practice matches and premier cricket
fixtures where there were match participants both inside and outside hub
isolation protocols.

“We’re confident this will be
successfully achieved again tonight at Manuka Oval. They must maintain a
physical distance on and particularly off the field (indoors) with teammates,
opposing players, staff and match officials. We have protocols in place for all
matches for interaction between those inside and outside the hub,” said
Orchard.

“Factors including the outdoor nature of
the contest, the generally socially-distanced nature of cricket on-field, and
the fact Canberra is considered a low-risk city support the conclusion that
both can play tonight without posing a meaningful risk,” he added.