Perth is being tipped as “the big winner” ahead of an announcement of the venues for India’s blockbuster tour down under later this year.
Western Australia will host the opening match of the five Test series despite criticism over poor crowds to kick off the summer Test this this year.
The Sydney Morning Herald reports “Queensland and South Australia will be the losers, with the wishes of both states to be overlooked as CA massages the schedule around the Big Bash, for which Australian players will be available during the last three weeks of January.”
The South Australian Cricket Association wanted a day-night Tets in the lead up to Christmas but it will be second Test with the Gabba hosting the third. The Boxing Day and New Year’s Tests remain in Melbourne and Sydney.
The Herald said the schedule is expected to be released at the end of the month.
The Herald said CA and the West Australian Cricket Association were looking at ways to boost attendance in Perth.
The highest attendance across the four days of the Perth Test against Pakistan in December was 17,666 on day two, while the lowest attendance of six Scorchers BBL matches was 28,494. Two of those matches attracted crowds of over 40,000.
It is expected that visits by India and England will boost attendances in the city.
Arch3r
Roar Rookie
I think Perth will see some good crowds for India. As long as we remember that 60,000 seats is a lot in a city of two million. It probably won't sell out. But it will exceed the capacity of the WACA-that-was. Can't wait!
Arch3r
Roar Rookie
Don't worry, we'll let you win one every decade or so
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
... an illogical re: Hardie.
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
I didn't think it did either
Pierro
Roar Rookie
Surely more bounce in early december unless they really are curating a flat wicket for India
Pierro
Roar Rookie
Its certainly closer to the more traditional time of year compared to more recently with it being the final test several times which was not good against west indies and India for australia. Before that they were very difficult to beat at gabba
sedz
Roar Rookie
Hopefully, India won't take moral high ground like poms or convicts. Let them play their natural game.
sedz
Roar Rookie
Smithie shouldn't be opening at any costs. Not just losing an opener, but risking a solid number 3 or 4 bat as well. It's gonna cost the Aussies big time.
BigGordon
Roar Rookie
I've read three other stories, two form India but all report the second Test will be a day/night game in Adelaide. The same stories are reporting the Test series starts in late November which means cramming 5 Tests into 7 weeks - all so the Test guys can then play in the BBL. Seems ironic/hypocritical, given Aaron Hardie can't play a bit of cricket in England in the next few months because CA is worried about his workload.
BigGordon
Roar Rookie
I'm guessing the first 3 Tests will be jammed together, given this series is starting late November by all accounts, so will moving the Gabba Test back a couple of weeks really allow the weather to impact more than usual? I'm not from tht part of Oz, so have no idea.
matth
Roar Guru
It makes weather interruptions in Brisbane a lot more likely
Tim Carter
Roar Pro
I, for one, welcome our fly-in fly-out overlords.
Steele
Roar Rookie
Looks that way, don’t think that appeals too much to the touring side.
Steele
Roar Rookie
Depends how generous the curator’s are I suppose. They’ll probably roll out another set of roads for the spoilt little Indians. No left hand/right hand pitches in Aus unfortunately…
The Late News
Roar Rookie
Very funny Tim!!
AR
Roar Rookie
Yeah, the G does nothing to warrant its traditional boxing Day slot. :silly:
Tim Carter
Roar Pro
*Pending BCCI approval.
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
So the Sydney / Melbourne hegemony hold safe and true. No real surprises.
Tony Harper
Editor
Can confirm the Boxing Day Test is locked in for December 26
DTM
Roar Rookie
Do we get some dates so we can start planning holidays?