Cricket Australia has confirmed the fifth Test will be relocated away from Perth.
Optus Stadium was set to host the fifth Test beginning on January 14, however Western Australia’s border controls and insistence on a 14-day quarantine period made the Test match impossible.
Cricket Australia also said the associated complexities meant any proposed changing of the order of host venues could not be done.
CEO Nick Hockley said Cricket Australia are “very disappointed” not to be able to gift Perth a Test match and that they did “everything (they) could” to find a solution.
“We acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of the WA Government, relevant agencies and Perth Stadium over recent months,” he said in a statement.
“We are very disappointed that we are unable to stage the fifth Vodafone men’s Ashes Test at Perth Stadium. 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.
“We look forward to continuing to work closely with the WA Government, Perth Stadium and WA Cricket to hold upcoming BBL matches and the Dettol ODI v New Zealand in Perth and thank them for their continued support.”
It leaves Hobart as the favourite to take over the fifth Test, with Melbourne and Sydney hosting a second Test match also possibilities.
The annoucement comes after South Australian figures had slammed the door shut on Western Australia’s bid to poach the second Test.
NewsCorp reported on Sunday night the WA government wanted to host the second Test match of the Ashes series instead of Adelaide, as players and officials could move from Queensland to Perth quarantine-free after the first match.
Perth Sport and Recreation Minister Tony Buti confirmed the report to The West Australian, describing the proposal as a “simple solution”.
However, it was always going to be difficult with tickets and corporate suites already sold at Adelaide Oval for the Test beginning on the 16th of December.
South Australian Cricket Association acting chief Jodie Newton shot down the idea, referencing the fact homegrown talent Travis Head and Alex Carey were set to play in front of their home crowd in less than two weeks.
“The Second Ashes Test will proceed at Adelaide Oval in ten days. There has been no suggestion that a schedule change for the Adelaide Test will be considered,” she said.
“The Adelaide Day-Night Test is the biggest annual event in South Australia, and no tour is bigger than the Ashes. South Australians are looking forward to Alex Carey making his Test debut this week and Travis Head returning to the national side as we celebrate SACA’s 150th year.
“Adelaide Oval is a global icon and historic ground with a proud reputation of delivering incredible Test matches.”
Furthermore, South Australian Premier Steven Marshall lashed his WA counterparts for their “complaining”.
“They’ve been trying to nick our cricket Test, well they’re not going to get the second Test, it’s going to be at the very best oval in the entire world and I’m looking forward to it,” Marshall said.
“Western Australia made themselves the 12th man, now they’re complaining about not being able to get onto the oval.
“The reality is we are keeping the second Test here in Adelaide.”
The Ashes series gets underway in less than 48 hours, beginning in Brisbane on Wednesday, December 8.