The global COVID-19 pandemic continues to have its impact cricket as India’s much-awaited tour of Australia will now reportedly begin either in Adelaide or Brisbane instead of Perth after Western Australia state government made it clear that there won't be any relaxation in quarantine protocol in their territory.

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According to a report in ESPNCricinfo, the Adelaide Oval is prepared to host back-to-back Tests. While the iconic stadium was already slated to host the day-night Test, it might also stage the Boxing Day affair in case the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is not available because of growing COVID-19 cases in the state of Victoria.

Moreover, the Indian and Australian players will go into the series after the IPL 2020 in UAE, where there is a second wave of COVID-19 cases.

"We didn't think it was acceptable to have the team return from a high-risk overseas location and then take part in normal training activities outside of quarantine, before flying out to another state to play games." Mark McGowan, the Premier of the WA state government was quoted as saying by the report.

"There were just too many risks in the model put forward by Cricket Australia. We need to remain vigilant and do the right thing by all Western Australians and not take unnecessary chances."

As per Cricket Australia's (CA) initial plans, Indian and Australian players were to enter the country via Perth.

Both the teams were supposed to be based and train in a relaxed quarantine environment in Perth ahead of the series, but Western Australia state government's strictness on hotel quarantine for international travellers has put CA's plans in jeopardy.

The report further claims that the BCCI has requested CA to allow its players to train during the quarantine period inside the bio-secure bubble which is not possible in Perth.

"We acknowledge the WA government has a firm position on quarantine and border arrangements," a CA spokesperson said.

"The Australian men's team will not be quarantining in Perth upon their return from the UK."

India's tour of Australia is likely to start with white-ball games before the action shifts to the four-Test series.

(With PTI inputs)