Cricket Australia has now officially announced Blundstone Arena, Hobart as the new venue for the 5th Test of the Ashes series. The original venue for the fifth Test was Optus Stadium, Perth but due to Covid-19 restrictions, the venue was moved from Western Australia.
The 5th Test will start from 14th January and the venue was already fixed by the board but they had to take this last-minute decision of moving the game from Perth. The board was in talks with the Western Australia officials and they have failed to produce a positive outcome – Western Australia is under strict restrictions and they are forcing players for a strict 14-day quarantine upon their arrival at Perth.
This was not practically possible for both sides as they will already be completing 4 Test matches and no team will opt to relax before a crucial final Test. Cricket Australia has taken many points under consideration such as commercial, logistical, operations, and many others – Keeping all these factors under scan they have decided to go with Blundstone Arena, Hobart as the 5th Test Venue.
Cricket Australia Cheif executive Mr. Nick Hockley said that – “We are delighted to announce that Blundstone Arena in Hobart will be hosting an Ashes Test match for the first time and thank the Tasmanian Government for its support,”
He also added – “I would like to thank all the states and territories who took part in this process. The submissions we received were outstanding and we had no doubt that each of the venues that took part would have hosted a wonderful event.”
“There were a range of considerations, including commercial, logistical and operational factors, and on the balance of these, the CA board agreed on Blundstone Arena being the most appropriate venue to host the fifth Vodafone Men’s Ashes Test.” – Hockley said.
