The ongoing Ashes 2021, which kickstarted on December 8 at the Gabba, will have two pink-ball Tests, confirmed Cricket Australia (CA) CEO Nick Hockley. The second and final Test of the high-profile series will be a day-night affair.
Hockley’s comments came as the fifth Ashes Test was moved out of Perth due to Covid-19 pandemic-related restrictions. Melbourne, Canberra, and Sydney were touted as possible venues for the fixture after it became apparent Perth’s chances were over.
“We’ve had lots of interest. I won’t go into specifics because we’re going through all the details now, but as I said, we’re working to come to a position as quickly as possible. Hopefully, there will be an announcement in the not-too-distant future,” Hockley told SEN Test Cricket.
“We’ve tried to be fair to everyone, we’ve given everyone an opportunity, we’ll be taking in a range of considerations, and ultimately it’s my job to put a recommendation to the board. The plan is, wherever it’s played, to be a day-night Test with a pink ball,” he added.
Discussions about a replacement venue for the fifth Ashes Test match are underway.
Australia secure crucial lead in the first Ashes Test
Head with a run-a-ball 51 on return! #Ashes pic.twitter.com/NzS8ipxYIp
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 9, 2021
The hosts rode on to a 150+ partnership from David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne to secure a crucial first-innings lead after bowling out England for 147 runs at the Gabba.
Warner and Labuschagne had a couple of hiccups but looked positive throughout the partnership before Labuschange was dismissed after a well-made 74. Warner missed his century by six runs before Travis Head run riot against the English bowlers.
The southpaw smacked 13 boundaries and two towering sixes as he reached his third Test century as Australia look to extend their lead with a couple of more overs left on day 2.
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