Crowd for third Test at Sydney Cricket Ground slashed to 25 per cent amid rising COVID-19 cases in NSW

The SCG will be reduced to 25 per cent crowd capacity for this week’s cricket Test as acting NSW Premier John Barilaro urges regional NSW residents to reconsider attending the match.

Cricket Australia (CA) and the SCG Trust have announced the change amid growing unease about Sydney’s COVID-19 outbreak.

The new settings for the third Test against India are expected to allow for about 10,000 fans each day, down from the previous figure of about 20,000.

The Australian Medical Association has led calls for the SCG Test to be played in front of empty stands because of the risk it could be a virus super-spreading event.

Refunds will be processed from Monday as CA hastily reconfigures the iconic venue’s seating ahead of the opening day on Thursday.

“We are working closely with Venues NSW and NSW Health to put appropriate biosecurity measures in place for our staff, players, match officials, broadcasters and fans to ensure we play the third Test at the SCG safely,” CA’s chief executive Nick Hockley said.

“Reducing the capacity of the venue is crucial in achieving social distancing requirements.

“Tickets will be back on sale exclusively to those who have already bought a seat at 5pm AEDT on January 4, with remaining tickets released at midday AEDT on January 5.”

The NSW government reported zero new cases of COVID-19 community transmission on Monday.

However, Barilaro cautioned that two new cases will be part of Tuesday’s numbers and that testing numbers are “far too low”.

The NSW Nationals Leader also argued that NSW residents from regional areas should “reconsider their visit” to the SCG Test.

“Maybe this year isn’t the year to come to Sydney to watch the Test,” Barilaro said.

“I know regional people use common sense.

“The risk would be ... they could take it (coronavirus) back to a regional area.”