WACA to host December Ashes Test

Ending speculation that the December hosting of the third Ashes Test might be held at the new Perth Stadium, Cricket Australia has confirmed that the match will be hosted at the city’s historic WACA Ground.

With the Perth Stadium having been scheduled to be ready for the 2018 AFL season, there had been suggestions that it could host the Ashes Test, due to run from 14th to 18th December 2017.

Cricket Australia also advised that Big Bash League and Women’s Big Bash League matches will also be played at the WACA Ground for the upcoming season.

A statement from Cricket Australia advised “whilst Cricket Australia and the WACA understand fans may be disappointed by this news, an Ashes Test match at the WACA Ground will be a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the final Ashes Test at the WACA Ground.”

The statement added that “both Cricket Australia and the WACA remain hopeful that the One-Day International against England, scheduled for 28th January 2018, will be played at the new stadium.”

With the new Perth Stadium now over 80% complete an Ed Sheeran concert has been announced for the venue on 3rd March 2018.

A joint statement from Western Australian Treasurer Ben Wyatt and Minister for Sport and Recreation Mick Murray advised “the State Government is keeping the possibility of an earlier-than-scheduled completion open, with a number of events occurring before the Ed Sheeran concert under consideration for the official stadium opening.

“The Government will continue to work with promoters and other stakeholders to investigate potential events befitting of the stadium's world-class status.”

Treasurer Wyatt added “Western Australian taxpayers have paid a lot of money for this stadium so it's important we start to get some use out of it. It will be a world-class stadium when finished and an important community asset, and we are working very hard to get it finished on time.

"The Perth Stadium Steering Committee is of the view that given the ongoing construction of the stadium precinct, hosting the Ashes Test presented an unacceptable high level of risk."

Image: December's Ashes Test is likely to be the last time the venue will host the historic contest.

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