The dates of three Hobart Hurricanes matches have been changed
Image courtesy of: Zimbio
Cricket Australia have announced that four Big Bash League (BBL) matches have been rescheduled due to the new dates for the fourth Test between Australia and India in Sydney.
It has also been confirmed that the next round of the Sheffield Shield will be delayed by four days following Australian batsman Phillip Hughes’ funeral.
While Cricket Australia have encouraged all players to return to playing Sheffield Shield cricket, they “will respect the wishes of those players who decide, for grieving or compassionate reasons, not to play”.
“We could not ask or expect players to be able to take the field the day after farewelling Phillip,” Cricket Australia’s general manager of team performance Pat Howard added. “This is a difficult time and the players’ wellbeing is our priority, so we are taking it day-by-day.
“Grief is very personal and we want to give our players every opportunity to feel ready to take the field, though ultimately we recognise that returning to play is a significant milestone in assisting all players to move forward. We are continuing to work with the Australian Cricketers’ Association to ensure all players and match officials are receiving ongoing counselling and support.”
Speaking about the changes made to the four BBL matches, Cricket Australia’s executive general manager of operations, Mike McKenna, said: “The Sydney Sixers v Sydney Thunder match due to be played at the SCG on January 9 fell during the revised SCG Test dates, and accordingly has been moved to 22nd January. With 35 matches scheduled in 39 days, plus taking into account the Carlton-Mid Series in January, it was not possible to reschedule the Sydney Smash without impacting other matches, hence the need to reschedule three other BBL games.”
The other three BBL matches affected are: Sydney Thunder vs Hobart Hurricanes at Showground Stadium, which has been rescheduled from January 7 to January 9; Hobart Hurricanes vs Melbourne Renegades at Bellerive Oval, which has been moved from January 15 to January 7; and Brisbane Heat vs Hobart Hurricanes at the Gabba, which will take place on January 22 instead of January 15.
Cricket Australia have announced that pre-purchased tickets will be honoured for the revised dates, and added that refunds will also be available.