Focus will shift momentarily towards an important off-field issue hurting Australia as both teams will be seen wearing black armbands during the New Year's Test in Sydney to pay tribute to the victims of the tragic fires, and emergency services personnel will be honoured during the pre-match ceremony with a minute of applause.
As many as seven people had died since Monday, and around fifteen this fire season, with nearly 400 homes destroyed in New South Wales state, confirmed the authorities; the situation could worsen this week when smoke is likely to affect the second day's play at the SCG.
With various areas around the country under fire, Cricket Australia has decided to contribute the money raised out of the two ODIs versus New Zealand in Sydney later this summer towards the Australian Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund.
Also, the play could be stopped anytime during this upcoming Test if the conditions become too unhealthy for the players; of course, a final call on the matter will always be of the match referee and the on-field umpires.
"It's bloody horrible, shocking, and it's been going on for so long," New Zealand off-spinner Somerville said. Somerville has lived in Sydney for most of his life and was deeply concerned. "I don't know what more to say. There's talk about smoke delaying this game but who cares? It doesn't mean anything compared with what people are going through."
"A lot of people are suffering," added Aussie head coach Justin Langer. "The reality is this is a game of cricket. It will be the first time I'll ever say this in my life, I hope it rains a bit during the test because Sydney needs it."
It is understood, in Sydney, grade players have been carefully monitored by the medical staff with various games affected in that part of the country.
A domestic T20 game in Canberra last month was called off because of the smoke haze and unhealthy conditions for the players.
(Inputs from AP)
