James Sutherland has asked the Australian public for patience and understanding after brokering an unprecedented change to the summer’s cricket schedule.
Cricket Australia’s chief executive confirmed on Monday night that Australia’s four-Test series against India had been rejigged to give players time to grieve following Phillip Hughes’ funeral on Wednesday.
The Adelaide Oval will now host the first Test instead of the Gabba, and even the immovable has been moved.
Instead of the second Test starting on Friday, December 12 as originally slated, that game will begin three days earlier 9 to allow the second Test to be played in Brisbane on December 17-21.
The traditional Boxing Day clash in Melbourne will remain unchanged, while the SCG Test will now start on January 6.
“Nobody should underestimate just what these players are going through right now,” Sutherland said.
“These are difficult days and we need to support them in dealing with their grief.”
Australian Cricketers’ Association boss Alistair Nicholson noted discussions with players and health experts made it clear the first Test could not start this week.
“We’ve all witnessed the extent to which this event has rocked people who’ve never met Phillip to have some concept of how hard it is for those close to him,” Nicholson said.
“The extra days afforded the players are considered a vital part of their recovery process and we’re pleased that our representations to Cricket Australia were met with a sympathetic ear.
“The Adelaide Test presents more time for them to grieve and mentally prepare.
“We also consulted the Hughes family regarding our preference to delay the return to the international stage, and they were very supportive.”
Hughes will be honoured with a series of extensive tributes at his adopted home ground.
“We hope the match can be a seen as a celebration of his life,” Sutherland said.
Adelaide Oval curator Damian Hough said his pitch will be ready for the Test.
“That won’t be an issue,” Hough told News Corp Australia.
“We also have short turnarounds between Sheffield Shield games.”
The full logistics of the date changes are still being confirmed.
Pre-purchased tickets will be honoured for the revised Tests, but full refunds are available.
Qantas will waive the change fee for any fans wanting to rebook associated flights.
CA is also seeking flexibility from hotels.
“There will be knock-on effects from these decisions which people will obviously want answers to. We will work through them as quickly as we can, but just ask for patience,” Sutherland said.
As a handful of fans took to Twitter to grumble about being inconvenienced or out of pocket, one of Hughes’ teammates at the Adelaide Strikers responded succinctly.
“Seeing people complain about the rescheduling of the 1st test and that it’s cost them money is a disgrace. It’s not been done to spite you,” Theo Doropoulos posted.
The Big Bash League will also be affected, with the Sydney derby on January 9 to be shifted away from the SCG or to a different date.
AUSTRALIA’S FOUR-TEST SERIES AGAINST INDIA
NEW DATES:
* Adelaide Oval: December 9-13
* Gabba: December 17-21
* MCG: December 26-30
* SCG: January 6-10
OLD DATES:
* Gabba: December 4-8
* Adelaide Oval: December 12-16
* MCG: December 26-30
* SCG: January 3-7/
