Smoke from fires could stop play at Sydney Test, according to Cricket Australia, Tim Paine

Australian skipper Tim Paine says he is not concerned about the possibility of play being lost at the Sydney Test due to poor air quality, but admits that if conditions get too smoky, players will have to come off the SCG. Key points: Any decision on whether to stop play due to bushfire smoke or haze will be made by ICC match referee Richie Richardson However Cricket Australia has been speaking to officials and the ICC over smoke protocols Two ODI matches between Australia and New Zealand in March will raise funds for the Australian Red Cross to help those affected by bushfires The final match in Australia's series against New Zealand will be played amid a continuing bushfire emergency in New South Wales. That final decision would rest with ICC match referee and former West Indian Test great Richie Richardson and the umpires, based on monitoring of air quality readings. The New Zealand touring side has another health issue ahead of the match, with skipper Kane Williamson and teammate Henry Nicholls missing training for the second day running due to flu-like symptoms. While fundraising at the Sydney Test — also known as the Pink Test — will as usual go towards the McGrath Foundation, CA and the SCG Trust say the two-match ODI series between Australia and New Zealand in March will be dedicated to raise funds for the Australian Red Cross in support of those affected by the bushfires.