Perth has been essentially eliminated from the race to host the final Ashes Test after comments from Western Australian premier Mark McGowan on Tuesday.
The fifth Test was originally scheduled to begin in Perth on January 14, however the border restrictions into WA have been a nightmare for Cricket Australia to overcome.
McGowan on Tuesday reiterated his tough stance on border restrictions, which have caused havoc for sports events in the last 18 months.
“We have put in place very strict rules,” he said.
“So we’ve said to them, ‘you need to have 14 days’ quarantine', and that has to apply to all the broadcast staff, the cricket staff.
“They can’t just bring wives and girlfriends with them - same rules as we put in place for the AFL.
“It’s up to them whether they want to adhere to those rules or not.”
It’s understood the English touring party are resolutely against undergoing a second quarantine stint, after an initial period to enter Australia.
The fifth Test is also only five days after the finish of the fourth Test in Sydney, meaning McGowan’s requirements cannot be met under the current schedule.
Western Australian Cricket Association CEO Christina Matthews told SEN’s Dwayne’s World on Monday that there were still talks between Cricket Australia and the state government to keep the match in Perth
“Cricket Australia are desperate to have it here, the (state) government would love to have it, but there are hurdles that have got to be jumped and we’ll see what happens,” she said.
“The one thing I can say is that people are working positively towards an outcome of the Test match in Perth… there’s something different every day that throws another grenade into the middle of the pile, and you’ve just got to deal with it.”
If McGowan doesn't change his tune, the question then becomes where will the Test in question be played?
The Australian’s Robert Craddock is reporting Melbourne is a slight favourite ahead of Sydney, with the potential to play a day/night Test match at the MCG.
The Ashes will kick off next week on December 8 in Brisbane, before travelling to Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney.