Australia

WBBL matches to go ahead in Hobart amid COVID lockdown


Cricket Australia has confirmed all four Women’s Big Bash League matches will go ahead in Hobart this weekend but behind closed doors, following the Tasmanian capital’s snap three-day lockdown.

The double-headers at Bellerive Oval will be played without crowds and under strict biosecurity protocols.

The Melbourne Renegades will open Saturday’s play against the Hobart Hurricanes at 3:40pm AEDT, followed by the Sydney Thunder-Adelaide Strikers clash.

The Perth Scorchers, who pushed back their flight a day from Western Australia until Saturday, will face Brisbane Heat on Sunday morning followed by Hobart Hurricanes and Sydney Sixers.

“The League and all eight clubs are incredibly thankful to the Tasmanian government for allowing the WBBL to safely continue in Hobart this weekend,” Alistair Dobson, Cricket Australia’s general manager of big bash leagues, said in a statement.

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“We’d also like to express our gratitude to players and staff from all clubs, plus match officials, broadcast partners and venue staff for their understanding as we worked through the final details with the Tasmanian government.

“The experience gained from last summer means all involved in the WBBL are well prepared to do whatever necessary to conduct a safe and successful competition this year.”

All players, staff and match officials in Tasmania for the competition have received COVID-19 vaccinations and received required negative COVID-19 test results.

Just a day after Sydney Sixers beat Melbourne Stars in the first game of the tournament on Thursday, Hobart was plunged into a three-day lockdown with fears of a potential COVID-19 outbreak.

More than 20 games are scheduled in Tasmania over the next two-and-a-half weeks, in a bid to begin the WBBL during Sydney and Melbourne’s lockdowns.

After the opening third of the tournament is staged in Tasmania, the competition moves on to Western Australia, South Australia and Queensland.

WBBL fans can listen to this weekend’s games on ABC Radio or the WBBL button on the Listen app.

The matches will also be carried on TV or streamed by Seven, Foxtel and Kayo. 

AAP/ABC



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