Search

show me:

WA would be miffed to miss India next year

3 minute read

Western Australia cricket boss Christina Matthews says questions would need to be asked if Brisbane got an India Test next summer ahead of Perth.

KEVIN ROBERTS.
KEVIN ROBERTS. Picture: AAP Image

Western Australia cricket boss Christina Matthews claims she struggles to understand how Perth could possibly miss out on hosting a Test against India next summer.

Perth remain locked in a battle with Brisbane to hold one of next summer's marquee matches, and avoid hosting Afghanistan in the process.

Cricket Australia chief executive Kevin Roberts this week revealed his organisation would strongly consider the player push for the Gabba to hold the series-opener against India.

But their situation isn't an easy one.

Perth's Optus Stadium is the second biggest cricket venue in the country, and came at the cost of $1.6 billion before it opened in 2018.

In contrast the Gabba hasn't had a significant upgrade since their last one was complete in 2005. Another is due next year but it won't increase capacity.

Australia also weren't given a Test their last summer when they hosted India, with Perth the preferred option.

But the Aussies love playing at the Gabba and believe it can hold an advantage against India - namely because they haven't been beaten at the ground since 1988.

"Obviously I am struggling to understand why they wouldn't have one here," Matthews told SEN.

"I think the difficult thing for anybody is when a government puts $1.6 billion into a stadium, and a sport chooses not to use it, you have to ask questions about if they are making the right decisions.

"In terms of crowds we have obviously blown away Brisbane in terms of crowds, and in terms of facilities it's far better as well."

If Perth was asked to host the opening Test of the summer against Afghanistan, Matthews indicated it'd likely be moved to the WACA pending contractual arrangement with Optus Stadium.

But she can't accept any reason why they wouldn't host India.

Matthews also listed the fact there is a high Indian popular in Perth - 46,436 at the last census compared to 35,335 in Greater Brisbane - as another point in Western Australia's case.

A Test in the west could also better align with Indian time zones for television networks.

"We missed out on a Test (in 2014-15) because of our facilities," Matthews said.

"To me it's not a difficult decision about where the game should be, but for Cricket Australia it is a political decision.

"I think you have to move on the basis of quality of facilities for the players and the quality of facilities for fans."

Think. Is this a bet you really want to place?

For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit www.gamblinghelponline.org.au