Governing body will provide data to umpires on air qualitySaturday is likely to provide the most challenging conditionsCricket Australia have vowed not to put players, officials or fans at risk as they prepare a cautious approach to smoke haze at the
Sydney Test. The third Test between Australia and
New Zealand at the SCG starting Friday will be played amid smoke from the nation’s unfolding bushfire crisis.
Saturday is forecast to be most challenging with increased smoke haze and high temperatures expected to cause poor air quality. The match will remain under the control of the ICC, but CA will have heavy involvement and have been communicating with match referee Richie Richardson and the ICC over smoke protocols. Umpires will make the call on whether the match continues in the event of poor conditions, but CA will provide data on air quality and visibility ratings. Doctors will be told to provide officials with feedback from players, particularly if they are having difficulty breathing or experience sore eyes.