Even as NSW Rural Fire Service continue to fight out-of-control blazes along the South Coast, Justin Langer remains bullish about the Sydney Test, and insists that the players need to make do with the cards "mother nature" has dealt them, Cricbuzz reports.
"There's not much we can do. There are a lot of people who will keep on top of it, but the reality is this is a game of cricket."
The Australian head coach, however, stressed the importance of the health factor and prayed for rain during the non-cricketing hours of the Test match to douse the fire that has set New South Wales ablaze for the past few weeks. He also expressed his concern and condolences to those who have lost their lives in the wildfires of Sydney.
"In terms of what's happening around Australia, 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. I hope it rains at night so we can keeping playing, but Sydney, like lots of Australia, needs the rain. We'll keep an eye on it, we'll do as well as we can, but our hearts go out. We are so privileged with what we do. A lot of people are suffering."
Langer and his team, however, are focused on a promise they made to the Australians after his term began - to make the nation proud and earn back their trust. "I don't want to get sentimental. We've talked about making Australians proud of us for the last 12-18 months, earning back respect, and we are feeling for the Australians out there who are suffering. It's a really tough time, all we can do is put a smile on their face by playing some good cricket."
When asked if they had any defences against the fires, Langer showed his confidence on the medical staff in the Australian dressing room, and insisted that the focus remains on cricket.
"There's some sort of formula they work out but the doctor will keep an eye on that. I know there was that Big Bash game that was abandoned, whether it gets it that point time will tell, that's mother nature, but we'll go on as business as usual."
Nathan Lyon, however, put the cricketers' role into perspective with respect to those affected severely by the fires. "Let's put this in clarity. We play a game of cricket, there's people out there unfortunately losing their lives, livelihood and houses. A bit of smoke doesn't worry us," said Lyon. "We just play a game; the true heroes are the firefighters. My hat goes off to them. I'm not really worried about a bit of smoke when I'm bowling off-breaks to be honest. I'll just leave it there."
