Perth looks for Adelaide exchange to save Ashes test

The Minister of Sports of Western Australia proposed swapping the dates for the Ashes Test in Perth and Adelaide as a final attempt to preserve a high-profile match in the state’s series against England.

Due to Western Australia’s hard-line attitude towards quarantine, the Australian cricket team is expected to announce in the next few days that the fifth test originally scheduled for January 14-18 at Perth Stadium will be transferred to another city. .

Western Australia has largely managed to keep COVID-19 out through strict border controls, and currently prohibits travelers from New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia from entering the state without 14 days of quarantine.

The fourth test is scheduled to end in Sydney, the capital of New South Wales, on January 9, leaving insufficient time for the players to complete the isolation period.

Passengers travelling from Queensland to Western Australia will start their first test on Wednesday and can enter without isolation. Sports Minister Tony Buti advised players to go directly to Perth from Brisbane.

read:
Ashes of 2021-22: Cummins says Australia’s favorite Root wicket

“If cricket cannot meet the border rules of our fifth test in Perth, then they should transfer the second test to Perth,” Butty told The Western Australian.

“This is a matter of course. As long as Queensland remains free of COVID-19, the team can fly in before the Pink Ball Day and Night Test, which will begin on December 16.

“The simple solution is to bring the test here while South Australia is managing its COVID outbreak. Then Adelaide can host the fifth test originally scheduled for Perth.”

Buti’s plan did not take into account the thousands of tickets sold for the test at the Adelaide Oval Stadium from December 16 to 20, and the fifth test may still be withdrawn from Perth.

Hobart was originally scheduled to host the test in Afghanistan in November, but it was postponed because the Taliban took over the country, and it is most likely to be awarded the right to host it.

Officials in Sydney and Melbourne also indicated that they will be preparing to hold a second test.