'If you don't want to follow the rules, don't come' - Team India receives a strict warning

The Member of Queensland Legislative Assembly, Ros Bates has made it clear that if the Indians don’t want to follow the rules, then they are not welcome. The Indian side had earlier raised issues regarding the Brisbane Test by stating that they were not happy with the quarantine protocols and the life inside the bubble.

A source from the Indian side had also earlier stated that they would like to be treated as ‘normal Australians’ and that they had provided full co-operation regarding the bubble quarantine protocols. They also stated that they fully understand the complexity of the situation.

“We understand the complexity of what’s happening currently. Cricket Australia and we have cooperated at every step with regards to following the protocols within the bubble. But we were expecting to be treated in the same vein as ‘normal Australians’ in terms of restrictions once we completed that initial quarantine in Sydney,” said the source to Cricbuzz.

In response, Mrs. Bates has been straight forward and stern to the Indian side. This was her response, “Well Look. If the Indians don’t want to play by the rules, don’t come.”

This is what she tweeted

Today I was asked about reports the Indian Cricket Team wants quarantine restrictions eased just for them, ahead of the upcoming Gabba Test. My response 👇 #Cricket #IndiavsAustralia @ICC @CricketAus pic.twitter.com/MV7W0rIntM

— Ros Bates MP (@Ros_Bates_MP) January 3, 2021

Tim Mander, Queensland’s Shadow Sports Minister was also of the view that the same rules apply to everyone and did not consider India’s complaints. Mander further added that the Indian side had no business in disregarding the quarantine norms and that they are surely not welcome if the visitors don’t play by the rules.

“If the Indian cricket team wants to spit the dummy and disregard quarantine guidelines in Brisbane for the fourth Test, then they shouldn’t come. The same rules must apply for everyone. Simple,” said Mander as quoted by Fox Sports.

The Indian side had earlier said that they would not like to be sent into another bubble and life inside the bubble had definitely not been easy. The source further added that the bubble life has been on for the Indian players for six months and declared that they have not raised any issues as far as following the protocols is concerned so far.

“All we’re saying is the boys have been in various states of lockdowns and bubbles for nearly six months now. And it’s not been easy for anyone. If you look at it, we are one of only two teams who have had zero issues while being on a tour during this pandemic. After all this time, what we don’t want is to be sent into another hard bubble, which seems will be the case in Brisbane.”

With the series tantalizingly poised at 1-1, the third Test is slated to be played in Sydney. It remains to be seen whether the final Test will go ahead in Brisbane as planned.