Western Australian cricket chief Christina Matthews says it is “astounding” Perth has been snubbed for hosting one of Australia’s four Tests against India this summer, declaring Optus Stadium is superior to the Gabba in every facet.
Cricket Australia (CA) will on Friday confirm dates for the marquee India tour, with Brisbane locked in to host the first Test on December 3 before a day-night clash in Adelaide and the traditional Boxing Day and New Year’s fixtures in Melbourne and Sydney.
Perth will receive the consolation prize of hosting the one-off inaugural Test against Afghanistan on November 21 at Optus Stadium.
Western Australian Cricket Association (WACA) officials are fuming at the decision to overlook the multi-billion dollar stadium for the hotly-anticipated return of Virat Kohli’s men, particularly given WA’s complementary timeslot for Indian audiences.
“All the metrics associated with cricket over the last two years see us surpass Brisbane in every area, whether that’s crowds, broadcast ratings, even better rainfall at that time of year, more corporate seats – just so many indicators – and a brand new stadium,” Matthews told reporters on Thursday.
“When Australian cricket’s primary objective is fans first, it is astounding that the 10,000 members who pay money to support cricket year after year in this state are not afforded the number one Test team to tour this year.
“The last time (in 2014), we were told it was because our venue wasn’t good enough and if we supported a new stadium, this would never happen again. And here we are again.”
The confirmed reinstatement of the Gabba, where Australia has not lost in more than 30 years, comes as little surprise after public lobbying from the likes of Test captain Tim Paine.
Perth was picked ahead of Brisbane when India toured in 2018-19 and was the scene of a 146-run victory for the hosts.
Matthews expects the WACA to bleed members as a result of the decision at a time when CA is already asking the states to make significant cuts because of the coronavirus pandemic.
“We obviously hope that our members will continue to support us but we have to factor in that could be a $3 or $4 million hit to us on membership alone,” Matthews said.
“They’re not necessarily looking at the hardcore cricket fans when they’re making those decisions.
“We’ve been told commercially, Brisbane is more viable for Australian cricket and that over an eight-year touring period from 2015 through to 2023 WA has a better schedule than anyone else.
“I’m not really privy to what’s going to happen in the next three years but they were the key reasons.”
An outspoken critic of CA at times, Matthews said WA remained privileged to host Afghanistan and looked forward to welcoming the emerging nation.
Australia’s summer Test schedule
One-off Test v Afghanistan: Optus Stadium, November 21-25 (day-night)
First Test v India: Gabba, December 3-7
Second Test: Adelaide Oval, December 11-15 (D/N)
Third Test: MCG, December 26-30
Fourth Test: SCG, January 3-7
Pedro The Fisherman
Roar Rookie
Then they bought in Les Burdett to fix the pitch properly (remember that WA v Vic Shield Match they had to abandon)!
Kalva
Roar Rookie
Yes but the English season doesn't coincide with India's season.
Rugger
Guest
If you can’t understand the finer details of my criticism then just fall back on the record of the Gabba vs WA with visiting test nations, most especially in the opening test. My comments are aimed at those who have an ability to understand real truths. Enjoy Disneyland Marty. Probably a good time to go as the lines won’t be so long :laughing:
Jeff
Roar Rookie
When you say "Melbourne & Sydney fans", do you mean fans who actually live in those cities, or are you including fans from interstate and internationally who can plan 12, 18 or more months out to plan and the book the trip to the Test? Aided by the fact is in holiday period, where holidays are an automatic (i.e. the office is shut) for many of the workforce.
Jeff
Roar Rookie
AND knowing that there WILL be a Test match and the set date for the match. I can tell you what date the Melbourne Test will be in 2024. I can't tell you the same for Perth; I can't even tell you if there will even be a Test match. I probably won't know until 4-5 months before hand.
Micko
Roar Rookie
Because it's a concrete bowl with no gaps for the breeze, and a lack of grass and shade.
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
I know the fall the Windies have had. I actually wish they'd find 4 the calibre of Roberts, Garner, Holding, Marshall, Ambrose, Patterson, etc.
Micko
Roar Rookie
Apparently so.
Micko
Roar Rookie
The NZ Test was good pace and bounce, so they're on the right track.
Micko
Roar Rookie
Mind you, I wouldn't play 5 tests against the Windies as they're virtually a minnow now. Been a basket case for 20 years, although they've slightly improved in recent years.
Micko
Roar Rookie
Don't blame them though qwetzen. A lack of shade and grass, not to mention the cost and overzealous security deters a lot of people now.
Marty
Roar Rookie
Haha, a typo? Yeah, righto mate. You’re saying that the WACA should prepare wickets where a 450 run chase isn’t possible? What are you on about? When was the last time a team chased down 450 at the WACA? I’ll give you a clue… never! You’re first comment was stupid enough, trying to backpedal out of it is just plain embarrassing. Maybe before you start lecturing others on what character traits they need to improve on you should learn to take responsibility for what you have written instead of trying to weasel your way out of it when it’s called out.
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
I think the BCCI is ungrateful. They are our guests, we put them up and they play to our invitation. We should be playing 5 tests against India, England and the Windies. I don't mind splitting SA & NZ on a 3 at home / 3 away basis. ----- But India are a spoilt over-size nappy-wearing baby.
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
It’s also why Melbourne, Adelaide, Hobart & Launceston are so fanatical about Australian Football. It was there at the very early part of their establishment. Whilst Rugby League came somewhat later to Sydney & Brisbane’s development. Whatever is there at a city’s embryonic stage takes hold in those citie’s psyche. Perth was an outlier as it was thru a mass migration of Aussie Rules players that Australian Football became the dominant game. Adelaide joined Melbourne and Sydney as the three early cricket cities. Though not as wealthy it had the facilities, namely grounds suitable, to play cricket. This Brisbane didn’t have. Hobart was a trip by unpredictable boat. Perth, well famous for being remote.
matth
Roar Guru
It’s also been hosting tests longer than WA and Brisbane, I think tradition is a factor
matth
Roar Guru
Well played.
Micko
Roar Rookie
To be fair the Gabba is pretty bouncy too.
Rugger
Guest
So why do India have a better record in Perth than Brisbane? Are they so determined to avoid a first test match in Perth that they’ve been consciously self destructing at the Gabba for 50 years ?
Micko
Roar Rookie
Apparently they've ditched the WACA for Tests altogether now.
Rugger
Guest
It’s just so ridiculous is it not ? Australian fans want to see their best side play their best cricket and the Gabba is where the players want to play. It’s also been the traditional first venue for any series beyond 3 tests. I will call out any comments of such a ridiculously self interested nature. Like suggesting the AFL of NRL grand finals should be played in the other states. WA don’t want to share tax royalties during boom years yet hold their hands out for the other 20-25 years. You need to learn self awareness and consideration Excise the typo above btw Meant to say a 450 run chase ‘isn’t’ gettable