On Thursday, Cricket Australia revealed the schedule of the highly anticipated India series. Western Australia Cricket Association (WACA) chief Christina Matthews has been left shocked and fuming after the fixture list was released.
The scheduled list reveals Perth will not be hosting a single Test match vs India in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy. India is scheduled to play the first Test at The Gabba in Brisbane. The 2nd Daynight test is set to be played at Adelaide. Melbourne is acting hosts for the 3rd test match. India ends the Test series with a final match in Sydney respectively.
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CA’s decision to leave out Perth from the plans didn’t go well with WACA officials. Recently, the WACA has built a multi-million dollar stadium. The time difference from Perth to India is also better suited for the Indian fans compared to any other part of the country.
Matthews said, “All the metrics associated with cricket over the last two years see us surpass Brisbane. In every area, whether that’s crowds or broadcast ratings. Even better rainfall at that time of year, more corporate seats – just so many indicators – and a brand new stadium.”
“When Australian cricket’s primary objective is fans first. It is astounding that the 10,000 members who pay money to support cricket year after year in this state and are not afforded the number one Test team to tour this year.
“The last time (in 2014), we were told it was because our venue wasn’t good enough If we supported a new stadium, this would never happen again. And here we are again.”
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AUSTRALIA v INDIA 2019-20 SCHEDULE
1st Test: The Gabba, December 3-7
2nd Test: Adelaide Oval, December 11-15 (day-night)
3rd Test: Melbourne Cricket Ground, December 26
4th Test: Sydney Cricket Ground, early January