The West Australian government is “selfish” for suggesting Cricket Australia should shift the current Ashes Test schedule to suit their strict border controls, according to respected cricket writer Robert Craddock.
Perth is expected to be stripped of hosting rights for the fifth Test of the much-anticipated series as a result of their stringent COVID border regulations.
While either Hobart or Melbourne are expected to be named hosts of the rescheduled Test in the coming days, it emerged on Sunday that West Australia had sensationally asked to swap hosting rights with Adelaide for the second Test, which begins on December 16.
Craddock said the audacious approach was unfeasible on several levels, saying West Australian’s border restrictions meant it was inevitable they were on the cusp of losing hosting rights to a Test match for a second consecutive season.
“It was the last roll of the dice (move),” he said on SEN Mornings.
“They were told unofficially by Cricket Australia last week that the Perth Test is dead so they contacted The West Australian newspaper last night and said they could do the second Test right now if Adelaide was prepared to do the fifth Test.
“There’s two spanners in the works, the first one is Australia should be able to get to Adelaide to play that Test fine if conditions stay the same and secondly, it’s (almost impossible) to swap a Test on nine day’s notice because they’ve sold all the tickets and corporates boxes.
“In its own way, it’s quite a selfish move I thought from the West Australian government. If you’re going to have rigid border laws, you simply have to pay the price.
“No Test match at Optus Stadium for a second year in a row and I don’t say that with any joy as it’s a great stadium with a fabulous wicket.”
The Ashes series will begin in Brisbane on Wednesday, with Australia confirming their team for the much-anticipated opener on Sunday.
Travis Head has been given the nod over Usman Khawaja for the number five batting spot, while Mitchell Starc will play over Jhye Richardson.