SCG, sans roof, all set for Sydney Ashes Test "We're down to paintbrushes and gyprock": Rodney Cavalier. Cricket fans without a roof over their heads in the SCG's unfinished new stands will be handed hats and sunscreen on their way into the Test. The SCG says it is ready to host the game, but hundreds of construction workers have continued working on the $190 million renovation until the start of play. "We're down to paintbrushes and gyprock," said Rodney Cavalier, the chairman of the SCG Trust. [But] the stand is ready. The Trust confirmed last week that nearly a third of the new grandstand roof would not be in place, leaving spectators on the outer edges of the stands without shelter but with complimentary sunscreen. About $140 million of state and federal funding went into constructing the new Noble and Bradman stands, which the Trust said should increase ground capacity by more than 2000 seats. Large portions of both stands are reserved for members, who have been offered replacement seats in the Brewongle stand. The new stands promise to bring spectators 13 metres closer to the field and include new screens, bars and food outlets. "There really isn't a bad seat in the house," SCG chief executive Jamie Barkley said. But that wasn't quite true. The trust confirmed about 50 seats in the front row would have a restricted view due to Cricket Australia's requirement for on-field signs. Mr Cavalier said speculation about the grandstand's readiness would be overtaken by the fourth ball of the day's first over. "It [is], by SCG standards, a very green wicket," he said. City hoteliers are also welcoming the start of the Test and report a 30 per cent increase in business thanks to the arrival in Sydney of an estimated 11,000 English supporters.