Cricket Australia has had to scramble to get players from around the country into NSW as the coronavirus outbreak in South Australia causes logistical mayhem and threatens to disrupt the start of the international season.

And while Cricket Australia maintains the first Test against India from December 17 will remain in Adelaide, South Australian Premier Steven Marshall could not guarantee that.

"We are still hopeful that the cricket will go ahead. What we are doing in South Australia is putting all those people we think pose the biggest risk, those people that have come into contact with someone who is infectious, we have put them into quarantine as quickly as possible," Marshall said on Tuesday.

Melbourne Cricket Club chief Stuart Fox has ruled out taking the day-night opener – the MCG will host the second Test – but the SCG is open to the idea if there is a late change.

In scenes reminiscent of the exodus from the winter football codes earlier this year, when players had to leave Victoria at short notice to avoid border controls, CA on Tuesday worked to get exemptions to put West Australian, South Australian, Tasmanian and Queensland players on flights as soon as possible for Sydney to ensure they can take part in the white-ball series against India, beginning November 27, and the Australia A matches against the tourists in December.

Cricket Australia is reportedly bracing for a mass airlift of players and staff into New South Wales in an attempt to save the series. According to a ESPNCricinfo report, players looking at an early arrival into Sydney once logistics of travel, including possible charter flights, and accommodation are sorted.