The traditional New Year's Test could be shifted out of Sydney due to complications amid COVID-19 pandemic.
Melbourne is hosting the second Test but there is a possibility it could also be the venue for the next game, scheduled to begin on January 7, with Queensland, the host state of the last Test, imposing stricter quarantine regulations on anyone arriving from Sydney, where a surge of Coronavirus positive cases has been observed.
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If the third Test is played as per itinerary at the SCG, the latest health regulations will require Indian players to go through another quarantine upon reaching Brisbane before being able to play the Test there from January 15.
Unless an exemption is presented, it seems Sydney will have to let go of its traditional summer fixture.
With no such isolation required for those coming from Victoria, there is a possibility that the MCG could host consecutive matches and leave Fox & co in a position to get more crowds in.
"I would love it but we have to go do what's right for the community. If it's confirmed the MCG is hosting it, we go back to the government and re-submit another plan and they will have a look at it," Fox was quoted as saying by the 'Sydney Morning Herald'.
"It's more important we get this one away safely and then we will reassess after that."
"Yes we can (host two on the bounce), we are ready to go but, I have said all along, we really do hope it can stay in Sydney. It's a really, really special Test," he added.
"...I really do hope it gets away in Sydney but we are on standby, we are ready to go. There are a few challenges with that but, if we are needed, we are ready."
Given the times, Martin Pakula, the Victorian Sports Minister, said to the paper that his government and health officials took a cautious route while allowing crowds for the Boxing Day Test.
"This was always going to be the event where we were more on the conservative side in terms of numbers. We want to test the processes," Pakula said.
"I am sure Cricket Australia would like to see a slightly bigger crowd if they could get it. I think our position on that is, let's wait and see for a decision on where the Test is."
"If the Test is going to be at the MCG, then Cricket Australia would submit a plan. If it's for a slightly higher number, then that would be a matter for the CHO (chief health officer) to assess," he added.
The SCG Test also serves as a charity event for the Jane McGrath Foundation.
"The Sydney Test is a very important game. It's the Jane McGrath Foundation fund-raising Test, the pink Test ... I really hope NSW get to a position where it can put that Test on," said Pakula.
"But as Stuart said, if we are needed, we are ready to go and, if we are needed, we will look and see what crowd numbers are once CA makes that call."
Matt Page, the MCG curator, has said to the authorities that he'll require a 10-day prior notice to ensure a second pitch is up to the Test match standards.
(Inputs from PTI)