CA makes Perth call – where and when Australia’s blockbuster Tests against India will be played
Perth is being tipped as “the big winner” ahead of an announcement of the venues for India’s blockbuster tour down under later this year.
Western Australia will host the opening match of the five Test series despite criticism over poor crowds to kick off the summer Test this this year.
The Sydney Morning Herald reports “Queensland and South Australia will be the losers, with the wishes of both states to be overlooked as CA massages the schedule around the Big Bash, for which Australian players will be available during the last three weeks of January.”
The South Australian Cricket Association wanted a day-night Tets in the lead up to Christmas but it will be second Test with the Gabba hosting the third. The Boxing Day and New Year’s Tests remain in Melbourne and Sydney.
The Herald said the schedule is expected to be released at the end of the month.
The Herald said CA and the West Australian Cricket Association were looking at ways to boost attendance in Perth.
The highest attendance across the four days of the Perth Test against Pakistan in December was 17,666 on day two, while the lowest attendance of six Scorchers BBL matches was 28,494. Two of those matches attracted crowds of over 40,000.
It is expected that visits by India and England will boost attendances in the city.