One Indian official was left less than impressed after the team arrived at their Brisbane hotel on Tuesday ahead of the final Test match, describing the conditions as “a prison for all practical purposes”.
The build up to the much-anticipated Gabba Test has been dominated by India’s reported reluctance to undergo another period of quarantine, after Cricket Australia officials opted to play the third Test in Sydney despite Queensland declaring parts of New South Wales a red zone due to a rise of COVID-19 cases.
Despite the uncertainty, it was confirmed earlier this week that India had agreed to travel to Brisbane after lengthy discussions with Cricket Australia.
The unnamed Indian official, who was speaking to The Times of India, said the touring party weren’t happy with what they faced on arrival.
“We are locked up in our rooms, have to make our own beds, clean our own toilets,” he said.
“Food is coming from a nearby Indian restaurant which will be given to us on our floor. We can’t move out of the floor that’s been designated to us.”
Following the complaints in the last 24 hours, the BCCI’s discussions with Cricket Australia has resulted in a relaxation in rules at the team hotel.
“The board has been told that the team has been given access to all the lifts in the hotel,” a senior BCCI official later told The Times of India.
“They can use a gym too. It has been assured that there will be room service and house keeping. The team has also been given a team room where they can assemble and have meetings. Only the swimming pool is not open for use.
“The players are exhausted and have retired to their rooms. But they would like to go out for a stroll later in the day. You can’t expect a player to keep doing up his room during this kind of tour. BCCI is always by the side of its players and will ensure they get the best treatment.”
The series is currently tied at one-all, after India managed to hold on and salvage a back-against-the-wall draw against the hosts at the SCG on Monday.