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The border control restrictions and strict quarantine protocol have forced Cricket Australia to change the venue of the fifth and final Test of Ashes, 2021-22. The final Test which was scheduled to take from 14-18 January, at Perth's Optus Stadium, will now have a new venue, which is yet to announce.
"The fifth Vodafone Ashes Test Match will be relocated from Perth Stadium due to pandemic-related restrictions, with discussions about a replacement venue underway", read the statement issued by Cricket Australia.
The Ashes is set to commence on December 8th, at The Gabba in Brisbane. The second Test match will then take place at Adelaide Oval on 16 December before, Melbourne Cricket Ground hosts the Boxing Day Test. The fourth, and the maiden Test in new year will take place in the Sydney Cricket Ground on January 5.
However, Cricket Australia is yet to announce the final venue, but Hobart and Melbourne are likely to be the final venue for the fifth Test.
Nick Hockley, the CEO of Cricket Australia, expressed his disappointment over Twitter. "We are particularly disappointed for Western Australian cricket fans who were so looking forward to seeing the first-ever Ashes Test at the new stadium", Hockley tweeted.
"We look forward to continuing to work closely with the WA Government, Perth Stadium and WA Cricket to hold upcoming BBL matches and the Dettol ODI v New Zealand in Perth and thank them for their continued support", he further added.
Reportedly, the venue is yet to be decided by Cricket Australia but the battle to host the final game is in full swing. Both the NSW government and Cricket ACT have also stated their desire to host the match, at the SCG and Manuka Oval, respectively.