The big states are coming, but Tasmania fighting hard to host Ashes finale

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has thrown his heavyweight support behind Hobart to clinch cricket’s fifth Ashes Test. WHAT HE SAID >>

PRIME Minister Scott Morrison has thrown his heavyweight support behind Hobart to clinch cricket’s fifth Ashes Test.

Cricket Australia has put the Test out to market after it was taken off Perth due to border closures, and the NSW and Victorian Governments are set to come in with multi-million dollar plays to secure a second Test for the summer in their marquee markets.

Tasmania had a Test taken off them at the start of the summer through no fault of their own, due to the cancellation of a match against Afghanistan due to the women’s rights issues in that country.

PM Morrison declared he is behind Tasmania’s David versus Goliath bid to knock off the big markets of Sydney and Melbourne.

Australian captain Pat Cummins leaves the field following the toss during day one of the First Test Match in the Ashes series between Australia and England at The Gabba on December 08, 2021 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

“As for the fifth Test, I’m in the Tassie camp. I think it would be great to see Tasmania share in this Ashes series,” said the PM.

“The reasons for not going to Perth are well understood. I’m looking forward to the Sydney Test, I’m looking forward to the Adelaide Test, and of course looking forward to the Brisbane Test and the Melbourne Test... and for there to be one in Tassie I think would be great.

“Particularly as there was the Afghanistan Test which obviously didn’t proceed for clear reasons. I know they’ll put on a great show and it’d be great for Tasmania.”

It’s understood Tasmania are still favourites despite broadcasting to be easier for Fox Cricket and Channel Seven if the match were hosted at the MCG or SCG.

Tasmanian Liberal Senator Jonathon Duniam. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Assistant Minister for Industry Development and Senator for Tasmania Jonno Duniam said he was fully supportive of Tasmania’s bid for the Test and it was great to see the Prime Minister showing faith in this community.

“Tasmanians love their cricket just as much as the rest of the country, but we have never had the opportunity to host an Ashes Test before,” Assistant Minister Duniam said.

“There is nothing we would love to see more in January than Pat Cummins charging in against our English rivals.

“ScoMo’s show of faith in this community is a welcome boost and not misplaced – Tasmania is the best location for this event and we would turn it on for visitors showing them why this is the best part of our country.

“Premier Peter Gutwein has already made it clear that all the stops would be pulled out to ensure the match is a success, and recent upgrades to Blundstone Arena mean it is primed to host such an event.

“The Federal Liberal Team back this state and it is great to see the Prime Minister showing his support for what Tasmania can do on a national, and indeed international stage.”

Give it to the little guys: Premier’s Ashes Test plea

THE Tasmanian Government has thrown open the gates to increase Blundstone Arena’s capacity as the race to host the fifth Ashes Test becomes a crowded field.

The NSW and South Australian governments have put their hands up to host the Ashes finale, joining Tasmania and Victoria in the hotly contested process.

Hobart’s Blundstone Arena and the MCG remain favourites, in a battle of “the right thing” versus cold hard cash, with Tasmania looking to host its first ever Ashes series and Melbourne, with its much greater capacity, aiming to host a second Ashes Test just in this series.

Australia South Africa cricket Test, picture of Zac Kerrison 10 of Howrah flying the Australian team flag. Picture: KIM EISZELE

Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein implored Cricket Australia to look beyond money in making the decision.

“We are now in an arm wrestle, the game’s on and importantly we are working with CA but now we are under pressure from other states,” Mr Gutwein said.

“I want to say very clearly to CA this is your opportunity to make history.

“This is your opportunity to provide Tasmania with an opportunity for an Ashes Test which has never been presented to this state before.

“I hope you will work with us to make history and not fall for whatever’s been put up by the larger states.

“They’ve had Ashes Tests played ad nauseam in those states, don’t double up, and don’t give Melbourne or Sydney a second Test.”

New Australian captain Pat Cummins wouldn’t buy into who should host the fifth Test, but said the pitch needed to be just right for a day/night fixture.

“If it’s a pink-ball match and they get the wicket right, no stress from us (wherever it is played).”

Australia South Africa cricket Test, picture from media centre looking south. Picture: KIM EISZELE

Mr Gutwein said upon advice from Public Health, the state’s major stadiums attendance would be increased from its current cap of 10,000 to full seated capacity.

This would see Blundstone be able to host about 14,000 fans for the Ashes Test in January.

Mr Gutwein said he would be putting forward a proposal to CA in the next 24 hours, but would not say what the financial amount would be ahead of negotiations.

“We believe an Ashes Test in Tasmania, not only will it be good for our economy, not only would it make history but it would put Tasmania not just on the national stage but on the international stage with the best boutique venue in the country,” he said.

Despite already having the famous Boxing Test locked in, Melbourne is pushing its case hard to pinch the fifth Test as well.

Melbourne media heavyweight Gerard Whateley said what possibly could be an Ashes decider would be vastly diminished if it was held in Hobart instead of before a minimum of 60,000 at the MCG.

“Of course it has to be the MCG, I can’t believe this is even the source of serious straight-face debate and with the heavy leaning towards Hobart,” Whately said on SEN radio.

“It is just so bleedingly obvious.”

Hobart Hurricanes coach and former Tasmanian fast bowler Adam Griffith said Blundstone would be a fitting reward for a state that is one sixth of Cricket Australia.

“I think Tasmanian cricket has been such a great servant of Australian cricket for such a long time now not only with the players we are producing but administrators and coaches,” Griffith said.

“You only have to look at the impact that some of those people have had over the years and I think it’s only fair and just that we get that test match so fingers crossed it comes to Hobart.”

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