The Western Australian government has launched a desperate bid to snatch the second Ashes Test from Adelaide to ensure Perth remains on the schedule.
Cricket Australia is believed to be set to announce that Perth will lose the fifth Test due to its hardline border stance, which states that travellers from New South Wales must quarantine for two weeks.
The WA government is pushing to have Perth Stadium host the second Test, beginning on December 16, and Adelaide Oval the fifth, starting on January 14.
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That arrangement could work on the basis that 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 Perth will be stripped of the fifth Test and Hobart’s Bellerive Oval will host it.
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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,” said WA sport and recreation minister Tony Buti.
“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.
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“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.”
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.