Cricket Australia has no plans to shift the fourth Test in Brisbane from January 15 despite the city being put under lockdown for three days from Friday evening.

This follows extensive talks between Cricket Australia, the BCCI and Queensland Health. The BCCI has formally communicated to Cricket Australia that their players and support staff won’t adhere to hard quarantine protocol during their stay in Brisbane.

They have been given assurances that the players will be allowed to mingle in earmarked areas of the hotel, which has been entirely booked for the two teams.

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar, who is working for Channel Seven during this series, said he understood India’s stance.

“You could have a situation where the ball goes into the crowd. The Queensland government is fully entitled to protect its people. Similarly I believe the BCCI is fully entitled to protect its team. I think that’s something we should never forget.”