The fifth and final Test of the Ashes 2020-21 is scheduled to be moved out of Perth. The same was confirmed by Cricket Australia on Monday, December 6. The series starts with the first Test in Gabba from December 8.
CA and Western Australian Cricket (WA Cricket) have worked closely and constructively with the Western Australia Government and Perth Stadium over several months, with the shared goals of prioritizing the health and well-being of the WA community, while providing the best possible environment for the players, their families, match officials, staff and broadcast partners.
Disappointed Not To Stages The Fifth Ashes Test At Perth: Nick Hockley
“We acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of the WA Government, relevant agencies and Perth Stadium over recent months,” Nick Hockley, the Cricket Australia chief executive, said.
“Very disappointed that we are unable to stage the fifth 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” he added.
Meanwhile, a decision on the venue for the fifth Test is still to be taken. Meanwhile, as per reports in ESPN Cricinfo, either Hobart or Melbourne could be the venue for the fifth Test.
Both teams are eagerly looking forward to the start of the series. Australia has named Pat Cummins as their new Test captain ahead of the Ashes. While England is boosted by the return of Ben Stokes.
Australia has also names their XI for the first Test at the Gabba. Travis Head and Mitchell Starc will start in the first match, starting December 8 at the Gabba.
Australia Announce Their Playing Xi For First Test
Pat Cummins confirms Australia’s XI for first Ashes Test at Gabba
🔹Usman Khawaja misses out
🔹Alex Carey set for Test debutAUS XI: Warner, Harris, Labuschagne, Smith, Head, Green, Carey (wk), Cummins (c), Starc, Lyon, Hazlewood#Ashes2021
— CricFit (@CricFit) December 5, 2021
Head was picked ahead of Usman Khawaja for the No.5 slot after both the left-handers had made their case for selection with strong performances in the early rounds of the Sheffield Shield in the build-up to the Brisbane Test.