Fifth Ashes Test moved

The decision was made today by Australia’s governing body, handing the ground its first ever Ashes match, 32 years after hosting Sri Lanka in its first Test back in 1989.

Cricket Australia put the venue for the fifth Ashes Test out to tender, following news that Perth Stadium would be unable to host the match.

“We are delighted to announce that Blundstone Arena in Hobart will be hosting an Ashes Test match for the first time and thank the Tasmanian Government for its support," Nick Hockley, Cricket Australia CEO, said.

“I would like to thank all the states and territories who took part in this process. The submissions we received were outstanding and we had no doubt that each of the venues that took part would have hosted a wonderful event.

The January 14-18 Test was earmarked for Perth Stadium, though CA were forced to relocate the match due to COVID restrictions in the state of Western Australia. The ability to host a day-night Test was a key criterion in the tender documents sent to all state and territory cricket associations around the country, in order to host the final match.

Hobart was to host Afghanistan in the first Test of Australia’s 2021/2022 summer, before the match was postponed three weeks before its scheduled start. Hockley explains the postponed match was a factor in the decision.

“We also acknowledge the postponement of the Australia and Afghanistan Test due to take place in Hobart earlier in the year played a part in the decision.”

“There were a range of considerations, including commercial, logistical and operational factors and on the balance of these, the CA board agreed on Blundstone Arena being the most appropriate venue to host the fifth Vodafone Men’s Ashes Test."

Hobart last held a Test match in 2016, with tourists South Africa beating Australia by an innings and 80 runs.