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WACA to plead Perth's case to host India

3 minute read

The WACA, in conjunction with WA government and tourism, will lobby Cricket Australia to select Optus Stadium over the Gabba for a Test against India.

WACA
WACA Picture: Racing and Sports

WACA chief executive Christina Matthews says it will lack logic if Perth misses out on hosting India in a Test next summer.

With the SCG, MCG, and almost certainly Adelaide Oval all set to host India in the four-Test series, Brisbane and Perth are locked in a two-way battle for the remaining Test.

The venue that misses out on a Test against India will host lowly-ranked Afghanistan instead.

Australia's dominant record on the juicy Gabba pitch plays heavily in Brisbane's favour, with the national side not losing a Test there since 1988.

Players are also heavily in favour of playing a Test against India at the Gabba.

Counting against Brisbane are the poor attendances the venue has attracted in recent years.

Perth missed out on hosting a Test altogether during the four-Test summer of 2014-15, which was shorter than normal because of the 2015 one-day World Cup.

But that was before Perth boasted a state-of-the-art 60,000-seat stadium that has received rave reviews from all around the world.

Cricket Australia will make its decision in April about whether its Perth or Brisbane who get to host a Test against India next summer.

Even though CA doesn't require a submission, the WACA will collaborate with the WA Government and Tourism WA to put through a strong proposal about why Optus Stadium shouldn't miss out.

"We couldn't really argue with the decision in 2014 (when Perth missed out on a Test), but we can argue strongly this year," Matthews said.

"When you have a stadium like this and everyone is clambering to get content into it - with Manchester United, rugby union, rugby league - why would cricket be the one sport that chooses not to use it?

"That's the lack of logic that I have in it. In our minds, there is no reason for there not to be an India Test here next year."

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