Ashes: South Australia shuts down Western Australia’s bid to swap cricket Tests
2 min read
Western Australia’s bold attempt to swap Ashes Tests with South Australia has gone down like a lead balloon with cricket officials.
South Australian cricket officials have shut down an audacious attempt from the West Australian government to steal the second Ashes Test as Perth looms closer to losing its hosting rights.
Strict border controls are set to see Cricket Australia take the fifth Test out of WA with Hobart and Melbourne the leading contenders to be the new hosts for the last match in the series against England.
But the WA government has tried to sell the idea of staging the second Test, which is a day-night affair set for the Adelaide Oval, in Perth, and for the final Test to be in SA.
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“If cricket isn’t able to meet our border rules for the fifth Test in Perth, then they should move the second Test to Perth instead,” Perth Sport and Recreation Minister Tony Buti told The West Australian.
“It’s a no-brainer. As long as Queensland stays Covid-free then the teams can fly in ahead of the pink ball day-night Test, which is due to start on December 16.”
But the South Australian Cricket Association issued a stern rebuke to that idea on Monday
“The Second Vodafone Ashes Test will proceed at Adelaide Oval in ten days’ time. There has been no suggestion that a schedule change for the Adelaide Test will be considered,”SACA Acting Chief Executive Jodie Newton, said.
“The Adelaide Day-Night Test is the biggest annual event in South Australia, and no tour is bigger than the Ashes. South Australians are looking forward to Alex Carey making his Test debut this week and Travis Head returning to the national side as we celebrate SACA’s 150th year.
“Adelaide Oval is a global icon and historic ground with a proud reputation of delivering incredible Test matches”.
