Sydney has thrown its hat into the ring to host the fifth Ashes Test, just a day after Perth was stripped of the match.
Cricket Australia yesterday confirmed the match would not go ahead at Optus Stadium, after it was unable to reach an agreement with the Western Australian government over travel arrangements.
Now the SCG, venue for the fourth Test in early January, has indicated a willingness to stage back-to-back matches.
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According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Sydney will vie with Melbourne and Hobart for the right to host the final match of the series.
“We’re very enthusiastic to hold the fifth Test — with a pink ball,” said Venues NSW chairman Tony Shepherd.
“We think a day-night Test would be very attractive to the local community and visitors who come to Sydney throughout January.
“We’re working with the state government about it right now about making a bid.
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“They want the match in Sydney.”
Cricket Australia is now in the enviable position of having three states – New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania – willing to pay for the match.
“Sydney is the sporting capital of Australia and we are ready, willing and able to host a second Ashes Test,” Ward said.
“The NSW Government is in talks with Cricket Australia and I am strongly advocating for the SCG to hold back-to-back Test matches.”
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