Old Perth Cricket GroundOld Perth Cricket Ground

The Perth Stadium has overtaken the Gabba as Australia’s favored venue for hosting the first Test of the five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy, set to commence on November 22 this year. Following the Perth Test, the series will proceed to Adelaide for the day-night Test, followed by matches in Brisbane, Melbourne for the Boxing Day Test, and Sydney for the New Year’s Test.

Cricket Australia revealed the international schedule for the upcoming summer, with the Border-Gavaskar Trophy positioned as the premier event. After the Perth Test, the second match will feature a day-night pink-ball encounter at Adelaide Oval from December 6-10, followed by the third Test in Brisbane from December 14-18. The traditional Boxing Day Test will take place at the MCG on December 26, with the series concluding at the SCG starting January 3.

Peter Roach, CA’s head of scheduling, explained that the decision to grant Perth the first Test over Brisbane was influenced by various factors, including the favorable broadcast timezone for audiences in both the Australian east coast and India. Roach emphasized the national team’s preference to commence series strongly at venues where they feel comfortable, with Perth and Brisbane being regarded as comparable in terms of the advantage offered by their pitches.

Roach further highlighted the players’ belief in the significance of playing day-night Tests in Adelaide, backed by conclusive statistics. He acknowledged differing opinions regarding the scheduling sequence but expressed confidence that the chosen format provides a strong platform for Australia to compete against a formidable Indian team.

Christina Matthews, outgoing CEO of WA Cricket, remains optimistic about attracting a sizable crowd in Perth, despite disappointing attendances in recent years. However, she expressed a preference for hosting the pre-Christmas Test, citing potential crowd numbers of 30,000 to 35,000 on day one for matches against India. “Getting a spot in the calendar is crucial,” Matthews stated in an upcoming interview. “Our preference is to host the last Test before Christmas. But if it’s the first Test, as it has been for the past two years, having clarity on the scheduling makes planning easier for everyone.”

While Australia aims to leverage their advantage by beginning with matches in Perth and Adelaide, a nine-day gap has been designated between the first two Tests. It’s understood that the BCCI is eager to utilize this period for India’s players to undergo specific pink-ball practice. Options are being explored regarding the scheduling of match practice during this interval. A potential Prime Minister’s XI match in Canberra is being considered, though whether it precedes or follows the first Test remains undecided.

Test Series vs India
22-26 November: Perth Stadium, Perth
6-10 December: Adelaide Oval, Adelaide (D/N)
14-18 December: The Gabba, Brisbane
26-30 December: MCG, Melbourne
3-7 January: SCG, Sydney

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