Hobart's Blundstone Arena to host fifth Ashes Test in cricket first for Tasmania

After days of speculation, it has today been confirmed that a joint bid by Cricket Tasmania and the Tasmanian Government has secured the fifth Ashes Test for Hobart's Blundstone Arena.

With Perth unable to host the final Test of the series due to Western Australia's strict COVID quarantine requirements, the bid was submitted earlier this week after Cricket Australia put its search for a new venue out to tender.

As of today, Cricket Australia announced that it had chosen Hobart ahead of proposals from Victoria, NSW, South Australia and the ACT.

As a result, Hobart's Blundstone Arena, with its capacity of approximately 20,000, will host its first test match since 2016 and its first ever Ashes clash.

Earlier this week, Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein urged Cricket Australia to "make history, not money" when stating his state's case to cricket's governing body.

Hobart was also endorsed by Australia Prime Minister Scott Morrison who declared he was "in the Tassie camp" and that it "would be great to see Tasmania share in this Ashes series"

Australia and England will clash in Hobart in mid-January in the final test of the summer, in what looms as a potential series decider.

The match will be second day-night Test of the 2021/22 Ashes Series, with the second Test at Adelaide Oval also played under lights.

Federal Minister for Sport and Senator for Tasmania, Richard Colbeck welcomed the decision by Cricket Australia, commenting “Tasmanians love their cricket and to now play a part as hosts is an enormous point of pride for all of us.

“Hobart is the perfect setting. I grew up there and played cricket in the backyard as a kid.

“We didn’t appeal against the light until 9:30pm - so long summer evenings make it the perfect location for a match like this and I think we will put on a great show.”

Minister Colbeck said securing the test marked an important opportunity as the economy continues to recover from the impact of the pandemic, adding “it is another remarkable selling point for sports fans as the State opens up to visitors and our economy gets a well-deserved and long-awaited boost to the bottom line.

“Cricket is a strong part of Tasmania’s vibrant sporting community and I am thrilled that Cricket Australia has recognised this in making its decision.”

Image: Hobart's Blundstone Arena.