Cricket Australia furious after International Rules series booked for Adelaide Oval days before Ashes day-night Test

CRICKET Australia boss James Sutherland is furious at AFL plans to stage the second match of its International Rules series at Adelaide Oval two weeks before the city’s historic Ashes day-night Test.

CRICKET Australia boss James Sutherland is furious at AFL plans to stage the second match of its International Rules series at Adelaide Oval two weeks before the city’s historic Ashes day-night Test.

Sutherland said the proposed Adelaide Oval schedule, featuring a possible International Rules game on November 18 and cricket’s Ashes centrepiece starting on December 2, was simply not feasible.

“This is absolutely prime cricket season and I don’t need to tell anyone how critical this period is in the preparation of what promises to be a huge Ashes Test match in front of a global audience. CA certainly supports the SACA’s stance on this,” Sutherland told The Advertiser from London.

The AFL last year announced a revival series of the hybrid Irish-Australian games to be played on November 11 and 18.

Travis Boak and Brodie Smith pose before the Australian International Rules AFL team training session.

The league has not yet to confirmed match venues but The Advertiser understands the revamped Adelaide Oval as well as Perth are leading contenders to host the contests.

CA and SACA are upset football’s push into summer will likely come just 14 days before the second Test and first Ashes Test under pink-ball conditions at the city venue.

Cricket officials are concerned about the Oval’s condition and recovery from International Rules so close to the Ashes, and at the lead-up to cricket’s glamour Ashes game being consumed by the AFL-sanctioned event.

“I’m very surprised to hear about this possible event now, just five months out. Well over a year ago we began consultation on our schedule for this Ashes summer, and the tour schedule has now been locked down for nearly six months,” Sutherland said.

“We cannot take a risk with the Test match preparation. Based on our ticket sales to date — and indications of overseas visitor traffic — this may well be the biggest sporting event ever held in Adelaide.

“Days one and two of the first ever day-night Ashes Test are already sold out, which just shows the huge interest in this game.’’

The Stadium Management Authority has been approached by the AFL to hire Adelaide Oval for the IR clash. SACA’s opposition to the timing of the event stands to be overruled in a test of SMA relations with football.

Australian captain Steve Smith runs between wickets during the day-night Test match between Australia and South Africa at the Adelaide Oval.

The AFL and Irish Gaelic Association staged single-Test series in 2014 and 2015 but agreed to play two International Rules Series Tests in Australia over the weekends of November 11 and 18 in Perth and Adelaide.

Cricket must deal with the mechanics of an International Rules game on the eve of its Ashes series but remains equally disappointed by a perceived AFL strategic assault.

SACA and CA have no issue with the programming of the International Rules game but the timing is a sore point.

“We have concerns regarding staging that event so close to an historic Ashes Test,” SACA chief executive Keith Bradshaw told The Advertiser.

“The eyes of world will be on Adelaide so we want to make sure everything is perfect in terms of the event.

“We are not against the International Rules games it but it would be preferable to not stage a clash so close to such an historic game.”

Cricket and football’s delicate alliance at Adelaide Oval is under pressure with the AFL programming what is regarded by critics as a two-match, hybrid rules side-show between Patrick Dangerfield’s Australia and Ireland.

Australian captain Steve Smith reacts with Peter Handscomb after Handscomb caught out South African batsman Faf du Plessis on day three of the day-night Test match between Australia and South Africa.

SMA general manager Darren Chandler did not wish to elaborate on events that were yet to be confirmed but said any announcement would come from the hirer.

“We review each event on its merit, what it takes to make it happen,” said Chandler.

“It is up to the venue hirer to make an announcement in due course.”

AFL spokesperson Patrick Keane said the SMA had offered no negative feedback in discussions about venue hire.

An AC/DC concert days before cricket’s inaugural day-night Test between Australia and New Zealand in 2015 meant 800 square metres of turf had to be re-laid.

However, Adelaide Oval master curator Damian Hough will have his work cut this summer. An International Rules game is likely to tear up the Oval and require transplanting of drop-in pitches inside two weeks before Joe Root’s England defend the urn against Steve Smith’s Australians.

“Damian Hough is a genius, if anyone can get the Oval ready it is him but it will be tough,” said Bradshaw.

Adelaide will also welcome the England squad for a four-day, day-night match against the Cricket Australia XI at Adelaide Oval from 8 November.

“We are very aware that the new Adelaide Oval is and needs to be a multi-purpose venue but flexibility comes with the need to plan ahead and manage risk,’’ Sutherland said.

There have been simmering tensions between AFL and cricket since the AFL women’s grand final between Brisbane and Adelaide was shifted from the Gabba to Metricon Stadium last March.

Gabba curator Kevin Mitchell re-sowed the centre wicket after dual Adele concerts.

Day one of the second Ashes Test in Adelaide and first under pink ball conditions is the 40th anniversary of the inaugural World Series Cricket day-nighter, at Waverley in Melbourne.