Perth has lost the fifth Ashes Test due to pandemic-related restrictions, Cricket Australia confirmed on Monday.
Cricket Australia has yet to name a replacement venue with a second Melbourne Test – under lights – and a Test in Hobart among the candidates.
In a statement Cricket Australia said: “CA and Western Australian Cricket have worked closely and constructively with the Western Australia Government and Perth Stadium over several months, with the shared goals of prioritising the health and well-being of the WA community, while providing the best possible environment for the players, their families, match officials, staff and broadcast partners.
“While absolutely every effort was made to ensure the final Test match of the series could be staged in Perth, border controls, quarantine requirements and the complexities of staging a five-Test series in a tight schedule have meant it is unfortunately not possible to align the respective priorities of the WA Government, CA and WA Cricket. These complexities also mean that any suggestion of changing the order of the venues would not be feasible.”
WA’s government had floated the idea of Perth hosting the second match in an exchange with Adelaide for the fifth Test as players could travel unhindered from Brisbane.
“CA is disappointed for WACA Cricket Members and WA fans who have been looking forward to this fixture for some time, however CA remains committed to continue bringing elite cricket to WA,” the stament continued.
“The WBBL Final was an enormous success with the largest standalone crowd in the league’s history, and CA and WA Cricket look forward to Perth Stadium hosting the Scorchers’ BBL opener against the Brisbane Heat on Wednesday, December 8.”
Nick Hockley, Cricket Australia CEO, said: “We acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of the WA Government, relevant agencies and Perth Stadium over recent months.
“We are very disappointed that we are unable to stage the fifth Vodafone men’s Ashes Test at Perth Stadium. We did everything we could in partnership with the WA Government and WA Cricket to make it work under the current border and health arrangements, but unfortunately this was not possible.
“We are particularly disappointed for Western Australian cricket fans who were so looking forward to seeing the first ever Ashes Test at the new stadium.
“We look forward to continuing to work closely with the WA Government, Perth Stadium and WA Cricket to hold upcoming BBL matches and the Dettol ODI v New Zealand in Perth and thank them for their continued support.”
Davico
Roar Pro
And the Qld border will shut tomorrow. So CA is fully vindicated and if there had of been a swap with Adelaide we would now be facing the prospect of the Test being cancelled! Was always a great idea?! :laughing:
Micko
Roar Rookie
We’re NOT “one country” Davico! We’re a federation of states (and territories!) with different and competing interests. We’ve ALWAYS had disputes between the states and territories and commonwealth since day one Davico! :shocked: New Zealand (for example) is more akin to “one country” as it’s both a nation and a single jurisdiction.
nics
Roar Rookie
Fully understand. Hopefully borders open up soon
Micko
Roar Rookie
Absolutely Davico! :thumbup: Health & education are always tricky I think to keep on top of for every government. But why are YOU so angry about WA Davico??? Is this your personal situation that has you seeing red, and somehow thinking that WA is at fault for your personal issues? I've never seen you so irate! :shocked:
Davico
Roar Pro
Its been stressful times for all of us, and it hurts seeing my wife not be able to see her family, esp, her 93 yo oma. I have prob not been myself on here, and should prob stick to sport!
Davico
Roar Pro
"our own revenue" You realise we are one country yeah? If YOUR government, who has overwhelming support, cannot sort out health and education issues even though they have been running at a surplus, perhaps you should not be worried about the GST distribution so much!
Micko
Roar Rookie
TO GET THINGS THROUGH TO YOU DAVICO!!! :happy:
nics
Roar Rookie
All good man. Sorry I've been a tad snappy too. Extremely sleep deprived with young kids.
Davico
Roar Pro
Why are you SHOUTING?
Micko
Roar Rookie
Davico, we’re NOT whining about helping out other states & territories, we’re whining about being rorted by losing MOST of our own domestic revenue. And THAT has no precedent in Australian federation history! You never responded when I pointed out in previous comments that when WA was a beneficiary state, the benefactor states (NSW, Vic etc) were NEVER forced to give the overwhelming majority of their domestic tax revenue to other states & territories. So why is WA bad for fighting for our right to AT LEAST retain the majority of our own revenue???! :shocked:
Davico
Roar Pro
I did edit that as after hitting add and reading it back I thought that was unfair and I apologise, hence why I edited/deleted it.
nics
Roar Rookie
Well I was responding to your original reply which implied "nothing I said before the but" matters.
Davico
Roar Pro
I was 8 years off. Apologies And the GST has been around for how long? So you are whining about being hard done by for the last, what 20 years (you're not), after being a sponge for the previous 150?
Micko
Roar Rookie
I think YOU need to check YOUR history “pal”. You’re proving more ignorant with each comment. Davico, what’s the issue? You’re usually a chilled guy, and make sense in previous interactions we’ve had on here. I just saw a comment to nics where you’ve got personal issues regarding your wife and borders/travel issues. Is this what’s up with all the hysterical anti-WA nonsense (and bizarre references to colonial days)? Are you feeling stressed about things?
Davico
Roar Pro
???
nics
Roar Rookie
Well you don't have to believe what I say. It goes both ways. If I told you it was my spouse who was the frontliner and has juggled those issues it wouldn't change your mind anyway. Peace out.
Davico
Roar Pro
So you agree with me?
Micko
Roar Rookie
The state of Western Australia didn't exist 200 years ago Davico, nor did the Australian federation! You're useless at quizzes "Alex"! :thumbdown:
Davico
Roar Pro
Most countries in the world? Might want to check your history pal
Davico
Roar Pro
"What does a “map 200 years ago” relate to anything here???" Alex, what is Western Australia for 200