On Monday, Cricket Australia (CA) confirmed that the fifth Ashes Test would be moved out of Perth due to Western Australia’s rigorous COVID-19 travel restrictions.
The Ashes 2021-22, which starts on December 8 at the Gabba in Brisbane, was originally scheduled to stage the final game at the Perth stadium from January 14. The decision regarding where to organise the final Test hasn’t been taken yet by CA.
The Australian apex board mentioned that they worked closely with Western Australia Cricket and made every possible effort to retain the game in Perth, but things didn’t fall in line.
“We acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of the WA Government, relevant agencies and Perth Stadium over recent months. We are very disappointed that we are unable to stage the fifth Vodafone men’s Ashes Test at Perth Stadium,” said Nick Hockley, Cricket Australia CEO, as quoted by Cricbuzz.
“We did everything we could in partnership with the WA Government and WA Cricket to make it work under the current border and health arrangements, but unfortunately, this was not possible. We are particularly disappointed for Western Australian cricket fans who were so looking forward to seeing the first-ever Ashes Test at the new stadium,” he added.