ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr has put forward a case for Manuka Oval to host the fifth Ashes Test, with plenty of other states also staking their claim.
Cricket Australia (CA) confirmed on Monday the showpiece series finale, slated to start 14 January, would not take place in Perth because of border restrictions.
Every rival state has since thrown its hat in the ring for what will be a pink-ball Test, ensuring broadcasters aren’t denied the prime-time fodder they would otherwise have access to.
Mr Barr said Canberrans would love to have the event, and Manuka would be a more than suitable venue after the success of the 2019 Test match, as well as the Big Bash last season.
“Canberrans love watching international cricket at Manuka Oval; with this in mind the ACT Government would love to provide our community with another opportunity to witness world-class sport in our city,” Mr Barr said.
“Manuka Oval successfully hosted its first Test match, Australia versus Sri Lanka, in February 2019.
“In our response to the EOI, we will draw on the experience gained from hosting that Test match, along with the many COVID-safe matches that were moved to Manuka in the 2020/21 cricket season.”
CA, weighing up several factors, is expected to land on its replacement venue within a week.
The obvious temptation is to bank the biggest cheque on offer, believed to be the MCG, unless Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein or a rival leader tips in millions of dollars to bridge the gap.
Yet the decision will be more complex than just money, coming two months after CA’s state-association shareholders forced the resignation of chair Earl Eddings.
The governing body will be desperate to be as collaborative as possible, while also pleasing broadcasters and players, but finding the middle of that Venn diagram will be incredibly tricky.
Logistics will form a major part of the decision, with accommodation for the series’ travelling circus to be a key challenge in Melbourne given the Test overlaps with the Australian Open.
Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein urged CA to do the “right thing by the game” and lock in Hobart for its first ever Ashes Test, rather than staging two legs of the series at another ground.
“We are currently finalising our proposal to Cricket Australia, which we will submit within the next 24 hours,” Gutwein said.
“We are very confident we can more than meet all of their requirements to host the fifth Test in Hobart.
“Hobart has only been allocated 13 Tests in the 32 years since hosting our first Test.
“CA should not be seduced by the larger states, they should act in the best interests of the country, make history.”
Similar sound bites came from around the country on Tuesday.
“Why not have it at the best cricket oval in the world?” South Australian Premier Steven Marshall spruiked.
Marshall may have some support in the Australian dressing room.
Australia captain Pat Cummins didn’t offer an opinion on where the final Test should be, but noted Adelaide Oval has “really nailed” what constitutes the best possible pitch for day-night Tests.
“At times in Sheffield Shield cricket (at other grounds), if the wicket is not quite right then you can see some long, slow pink-ball matches,” Cummins told reporters in Brisbane.
“If it’s a pink-ball match and they get the wicket right, no stress from us (wherever it is played).
“If it’s Sydney great, I can stay home, but I’m not too bothered.”
With AAP
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