Mackay a longshot for Ashes match after Perth lose fifth test

Mackay has hosted plenty of domestic and international sports in the past year, but the prized jewel of cricket is up for grabs. Find out the region’s chance at an Ashes test match.

Once a regional town with just local sport to look forward to on the weekend, Mackay has blossomed into a premier hosting centre with the chance to host a historical event.

The fifth Ashes test between Australia and England, originally scheduled to be played in Perth, has been put to tender after border restrictions meant the teams could not enter Western Australia.

While Mackay is a longshot to host the final test match, the region has proven time and again its ability to provide world-class sporting facilities.

Mackay’s Great Barrier Reef Arena is an outside chance to host the fifth and final Ashes test match, after Perth lost the rights to the game. Picture: Ian Hitchcock

Already Mackay cricket fans have seen an international series between Australia and India, as well as nine women’s Big Bash matches across eight days.

The NRL also played five games of its home-and-away season at BB Print Stadium, before scheduling two semi-finals at the ground.

The success of the NRL fixtures resulted in a pre-season clash between North Queensland Cowboys and Brisbane Broncos confirmed for February, 2022, as well as Sydney Roosters hosting a home fixture at the stadium.

Australian Cricket captain Pat Cummins and English captain Joe Root at The Gabba, ahead of the men’s Vodafone Ashes Series which starts on Wednesday, December 8, 2021. Picture: Jerad Williams

Despite the region’s hosting success in 2021, Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson said he had not approached Cricket Australia about snatching an Ashes test.

“It’s financially outside of our realm, we’ve made no approaches to Cricket Australia,” he said.

“Cricket Australia have come to us before, they came to Harrup Park Country Club for the One Day Internationals simply because it’s the best regional cricket ground in Australia.

“I don’t know whether they’re looking to play Ashes on a good regional ground, they’ll be looking for a big stadium.

“If there was an opportunity, but I don’t think (we’ll get) the Ashes this year.”

Australian Captain Pat Cummins and Australian Vice Captain Steve Smith pose for a photo during the Australia v England Ashes Series Launch at The Gabba on December 05, 2021 in Brisbane, Australia. Picture: Bradley Kanaris

In a social media post, the Great Barrier Reef Arena account said the ground was “the logical choice”.

“We are ready and able to host,” the arena’s LinkedIn account said.

“It will allow the Australian men’s team to experience cricket in paradise and create their own ‘miracle in Mackay’ like their female counterparts.

“Australia has never lost an Ashes Test match at the Great Barrier Reef Arena!”