Day-night Tests at Adelaide Oval have become part of the calendar.Credit:Getty
“While this decision is very difficult to accept,the complexity of staging the Test in the face of strict border controls and quarantine requirements has resulted in it not being possible to align the respective priorities of the WA Government,Cricket Australia,and WA Cricket.”
The South Australian Cricket Association (SACA),meanwhile,made it plain on Monday that the second Test would not be going anywhere.
“The second Ashes Test will proceed at Adelaide Oval in 10 days’ time. There has been no suggestion that a schedule change for the Adelaide Test will be considered,” SACA acting chief executive Jodie Newton said.
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“The Adelaide day-night Test is the biggest annual event in South Australia,and no tour is bigger than the Ashes. South Australians are looking forward to Alex Carey making his Test debut this week andTravis Head returning to the national side as we celebrate SACA’s 150th year.
“Adelaide Oval is a global icon and historic ground with a proud reputation of delivering incredible Test matches”.
Tickets have been on sale for the game since the middle of the year,while the mid-December timeslot has now become a customary destination for spectators from all over the state and – borders permitting – the rest of the country.
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Buti,who in recent days suggested that no international cricket was played in the eastern states last summer – something that would have come as a surprise to India’s victorious tourists – claimed that it was a “no-brainer” to hold the second Test in Perth.
“If cricket isn’t able to meet our border rules for fifth Test in Perth,then they should move the second Test to Perth instead,” Buti toldThe West Australian.
“It’s a no-brainer. As long as Queensland stays COVID-free then the teams can fly in ahead of the pink ball day-night Test,which is due to start on December 16.
“The simple solution would be to bring that Test here while South Australia manages its COVID outbreak. Adelaide can then host the fifth Test originally scheduled for Perth.”