Ashes: Victorian government declares MCG ready for fifth Test with Perth in doubt

The jostling has begun to host the fifth Ashes Test, with Perth locking itself out of contention with its strict quarantine rules.

The Victorian government has “made it clear” to Cricket Australia that the MCG can host the fifth Ashes Test as a decision looms on taking the game away from Perth.

The MCG, SCG and even Bellerive Oval in Hobart could all be potential hosts after West Australian Premier Mark McGowan confirmed he would not budge from his strict stance demanding anyone travelling to Perth would have to do 14 days quarantine.

His latest declaration has made it almost impossible for Perth to host the match in January, given it comes less than a week after the fourth Test in Sydney.

Victorian Sports Minister Martin Pakula on Wednesday said the MCG’s “claims were undeniable” as an alternative venue, with a second pitch already being prepared as well as the wicket for the Boxing Day Test.

“The Victorian government has certainly made it clear to Cricket Australia that if the Perth Test is unable to go ahead that we’d be not just prepared to host the fifth Test but very keen to host the fifth Test,” Pakula said.

The MCG will be able to host 100,000 people for the Boxing Day Test.

“I’ve spoken to Cricket Australia and they’ve got a decision to make, firstly about whether they go with Perth … and if they can’t got to Perth and it’s a commercial decision, then I think the MCG’s claims are pretty close to undeniable.

“We will wait and see but Cricket Australia is well aware of our interest.”

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With the new Omicron Covid-19 variant threatening to throw a spanner in the works, McGowan reiterated that all players would have to complete a 14-day quarantine period as opposed to a mooted shortened spell in quarantine.

“We have put in place very strict rules,” McGowan said.

“So we’ve said to them, ‘You need to have 14 days quarantine’. And that has to apply to all the broadcast staff, the cricket staff.

“They can’t just bring wives and girlfriends with them – same rules as we put in place for the AFL.

“It’s up to them whether they want to adhere to those rules or not.”

The 2020 Boxing Day Test at the MCG. Picture: David Caird

McGowans’s comments come just days after Western Australia Cricket Association chief executive Christina Matthews backtracked on her belief that there was a “97 per cent” chance of the fifth Test being played at Optus Stadium, offering up a much lower likelihood.

“I’d probably say at the moment I’m 50-50,” Matthews told ABC Grandstand on Saturday.

“I’d gone as high as 97 per cent, but I’ve gone back to 50-50. We’ll wait and see.”

Optus Stadium is still slated to host the fifth Ashes Test. Picture: AAP Image/Richard Wainwright

Tasmania has thrown its hat into the ring to host the game at Blundstone Arena in Hobart, while NSW Tourism Minister Stuart Ayres revealed “we’ve said to Cricket Australia that we’re here to help if they need it”.

Legendary Australian cricketer Shane Warne even tossed up the possibility of the MCG hosting a day-night Ashes Test for the final game of the series.

“Now that the 5th #ashes test will not be played in Perth due to the Govt’s stringent quarantine regulations. My suggestion is that the 5th ashes test should be back at the MCG & played as a D/N test,” Warne wrote on Twitter.

“So, traditional Boxing Day then Syd then back to MCG for a D/N match!”

Shane Warne believes the fifth Test could be a day-night affair at the MCG. Picture: Scott Barbour/Getty Images