Ashes 2021/22: Audacious date swap bid as fifth Test in Perth officially cancelled

The WA government says moving the second Ashes Test to Perth is a ‘no-brainer’. But the idea of swapping Tests hasn’t gone down so well in South Australia. See the latest.

Perth Stadium during the 2019 Test.

South Australia has slammed the door shut on Perth’s audacious bid to steal the second Test, issuing a blunt “hands off” as Cricket Australia prepare to officially cut WA from the Ashes summer.

Western Australia Government officials launched a desperate 11th hour bid on Sunday night to try to swap Tests with Adelaide in the knowledge that their fifth Test hosting rights were dead in the water.

The brazen last throw of the dice was based on the fact that the teams could get clear passage into WA from Queensland if Perth was to assume the second Test from Adelaide, sidestepping the strict border restrictions which have killed off the fifth Test.

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But the brazen play has been brutally shut down by South Australia – adamant the second Test will proceed there next week despite recent concerns from their Government over the Omicron variant.

“The Second Ashes Test will proceed at Adelaide Oval in ten days’ time. There has been no suggestion that a schedule change for the Adelaide Test will be considered,” said SACA acting chief executive, Jodie Newton.

Perth Stadium during the 2019 Test.

“The Adelaide Day-Night Test is the biggest annual event in South Australia, and no tour is bigger than the Ashes. South Australians are looking forward to Alex Carey making his Test debut this week and Travis Head returning to the national side as we celebrate SACA’s 150th year.

“Adelaide Oval is a global icon and historic ground with a proud reputation of delivering incredible Test matches.”

The advanced stages of ticket sales were always going to make WA’s bid impossible.

There is an expectation WA will officially lose the fifth Test on Monday, with Hobart favourites to assume the final match of the series provided it can hold off a challenge from Melbourne for the MCG to host a second Test for the summer.

The West Australian has reported Cricket Australia is set to announce the abandonment of the fifth Ashes Test in Perth in the next few days due to the state’s hard border stance.

The bid to swap tests with Adelaide was doomed from the start, but WA Sport and Recreation Minister Tony Buti was adamant the move could work.

“If cricket isn’t able to meet our border rules for fifth Test in Perth, then they should move the second test to Perth instead,” Buti told The West Australian.

“It’s a no-brainer. As long as Queensland stays Covid-free then the teams can

fly in ahead of the pink ball day-night Test, which is due to start on December 16.

“The simple solution would be to bring that Test here while South Australia manages its Covid outbreak. Adelaide can then host the fifth Test originally scheduled for Perth.

“They could fly straight into Perth after the Brisbane Test. Then no one will need to worry about quarantine and Covid protocols. Just like Cairns Taipans played (Perth) Wildcats on Sunday at RAC Arena.

“Optus Stadium can be made available to host the second Test that’s currently scheduled for Adelaide Oval between December 16 and 20.’’

Originally published as Ashes 2021/22: Audacious date swap bid as fifth Test in Perth officially cancelled