UPDATE: The South Australian Cricket Association has responded to the Western Australian government’s desperate move to poach the second Ashes Test from Adelaide Oval.
The state body has released a statement after it was revealed that the WA government was pushing for Perth Stadium to host the second Test, beginning on December 16, suggesting the Adelaide Oval become the host of the fifth Test, starting on January 14.
That was the request made by WA sport and recreation minister Tony Buti, as it became clear Cricket Australia would strip Perth of its Test due to the state government’s hardline quarantine stance.
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In an emphatic statement, the SACA made clear that it had no appetite for a switch.
“The South Australian Cricket Association confirms that the second Ashes Test will proceed as planned at the Adelaide Oval, beginning on December 16,” the statement said.
“The SACA continues to work closely with Cricket Australia and is committed to delivering the iconic Adelaide day-night Test match, celebrating the SACA’s 150th year.”
SACA acting chief executive Jodie Newton said there had been “no suggestion” that Cricket Australia would agree to the WA government’s proposal.
“The Adelaide day-night Test is the biggest annual event in South Australia, and no tour is bigger than the Ashes,” Newton said.
“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.”
SACA coach and former Test quick Jason Gillespie has also shot down the bold move.
“They’re cheeky buggers,” he laughed.
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The WA government’s proposed arrangement could work on the basis that a two-week quarantine is not required for entry into WA for travellers from Queensland. The first Test will be held at the Gabba in Brisbane, beginning on Wednesday, while the fourth match of the series will be hosted by the Sydney Cricket Ground, starting on January 5.
But it’s most likely that the fifth Test will be ripped from Perth and Hobart’s Bellerive Oval will be granted hosting rights.
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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,” Buti said.
“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.
“The simple solution would be to bring that Test here while South Australia manages its COVID outbreak. Adelaide can then host the fifth Test originally scheduled for Perth.
“They could fly straight into Perth after the Brisbane Test. Then no one will need to worry about quarantine and COVID protocols, just like Cairns Taipans played (Perth) Wildcats on Sunday at RAC Arena.
“Optus Stadium can be made available to host the second Test that’s currently scheduled for Adelaide Oval between December 16 and 20.”
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If Cricket Australia agrees to Perth’s request the fifth Test will become the day-night fixture.
Perth Stadium has hosted two Test matches, between Australia and India in December 2018 and Australia and New Zealand 12 months later.