History made as city wins fight for fifth Test

Cricket Australia has confirmed the host city for the fifth Ashes Test following Perth’s surrender of the series decider.

Cricket Australia has announced Hobart will host the fifth Ashes Test following the decision to take the series finale away from Perth.

Widespread reports earlier this week claimed Tasmania was set to be announced as the host venue — and the worst kept secret in Australian sport was confirmed in a statement on Saturday.

The test will make history as the first time Ashes cricket has been played in Tasmania — and the first time Hobart has hosted a day-night, pink-ball test.

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“We are delighted to announce that Blundstone Arena in Hobart will be hosting an Ashes Test match for the first time and thank the Tasmanian government for its support,” Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley said in a statement.

“I would like to thank all the states and territories who took part in this process. The submissions we received were outstanding and we had no doubt that each of the venues that took part would have hosted a wonderful event.

“There were a range of considerations, including commercial, logistical and operational factors and on the balance of these, the CA board agreed on Blundstone Arena being the most appropriate venue to host the fifth men’s Ashes Test.

“We also acknowledge the postponement of the Australia and Afghanistan Test due to take place in Hobart earlier in the year played a part in the decision.”

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said this week Hobart should be the location for the match, but Aussie legend Shane Warne has been a vocal critic of the decision.

Hobart is expected to be named as the fifth Test venue. Photo by Steve Bell/Getty Images

When it appeared as though Perth was going to lose the match, Warne called for the fifth Test to go to the MCG and give Victorians a second Test in the series, completing the series in a day/nighter in Melbourne.

Fox Sports reported the MCG fell out of favour for another match because of sluggish ticket sales for the Boxing Day Test and BBL games at the ground.

On Fox Cricket commentary with Mark Waugh and Isa Guha, Warne hit back at Tasmania’s appeal to get the match, as the ground has not historically been able to attract crowds.

Waugh said while it can’t match the MCG crowd, Blundstone Arena has a 20,000 seat capacity.

Warne wasn’t sure that number was entirely right but still said five days at capacity couldn’t beat one day of capacity at the MCG.

“I’m very happy for the people of Hobart – congratulations if that’s the case – but I wouldn’t have done it that way,” he said.

“If it’s 2-all, or 2-1, 1-0, whatever it may be, you want to be fair to the fans all over Australia. And I don’t think you can fit them all in at Hobart.

“I just would have liked us to cater for everyone, 15,000 with all of Australia and international guests, I just don’t think you’ll get people in there. But well done to Hobart. They always put on a great series down there, a great event but I wouldn’t have done it with only 15,000 people.

“One of the reasons Hobart lost its Test match was that no one was turning up. Let’s hope the people turn out, let’s hope it’s still alive the series and Hobart can squeeze in 15,000 people.”

Shane Warne isn’t entirely happy with the decision. Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images