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ricket Australia has confirmed the fourth and final Test match between Australia and India will take place at the Gabba in Brisbane at 50% capacity with all fans required to wear masks.

This confirmation comes after the Test was put in doubt due to the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) response to the Queensland government regarding the Indian team being required to quarantine on arrival in Brisbane.

Queensland Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk, confirmed the Gabba Test during a press conference discussing Brisbane’s three-day lockdown.

“The Gabba will be filled to half the capacity and masks are mandatory for entering, leaving and moving around the stadium,” Palaszczuk said.

“But if you are sitting there at your seat, you won’t have to wear your mask because you are outside.

“Most people will be coming by public transport anyway, where you will have to wear your mask,” she said.

Due to the tickets for the Test already being sold before the venue was reduced to 50% capacity, all current ticket holders will receive a full refund, including all associated costs, and will be given an exclusive window to repurchase tickets, after which the remaining tickets will be released to a public sale.

Cricket Australia interim CEO, Nick Hockley, said the safety of all involved with the Gabba Test is the top priority for the organisation.

“We have been working closely with Queensland Health to ensure our strong biosecurity plans guarantees the fourth Test at the Gabba is played safely,” Hockley said.

“Throughout the season, we have developed a strong track record for a safe and responsible return to sport thanks to our well-established biosecurity protocols, the ongoing support from public health officials and the incredible hard work of so many people across Australian cricket.

“I want to thank the Queensland government for their cooperation and willingness to working closely with Cricket Australia and the BCCI so we can deliver the fourth Test as planned, but more importantly delivering on a plan that places safety and wellbeing of the players, match officials, and the wider community as a top priority,” he said.

This decision comes after Hockley confirmed the BCCI were happy to play in Brisbane and agreed to the hotel quarantine protocols.

“The fourth Test will be at the Gabba, as planned,” Hockley told SEN Radio.

“On the basis of yesterday’s discussions we are full steam ahead to play the fourth Test at the Gabba,” he said.

Reports suggest the discussions between Cricket Australia and the BCCI have ensured there are signed assurances from Queensland Health that players will be allowed to socialise between themselves within the hotel, as Cricket Australia has hired the entire accommodation complex for the players.

Cricket Australia also confirmed police will not be present to ensure COVID-safe practices are maintained at the accommodation.