Ongoing COVID border restrictions have thrown the plans for the upcoming fifth Ashes Test match into disarray, with Perth looking unlikely to be able to host the planned event in January 2022. Not wanting to let an opportunity like this pass, Cricket Tasmania have suggested that the Apple Isle should host the event instead.Â
The turn of events came as Western Australia was expected to host the fifth cricket test match on 14 January 2022. However WA’s Premier Mark McGowan has made it clear that the state’s hard border closure will remain in place until at least 90 percent of the local population are double vaxxed, which is expected towards the end of January or early February 2022.
Cricket Tasmania have quickly jumped at the opportunity and suggested there’s no better place to hold this Ashes match than the Apple Isle, given Tassie’s border restrictions are easing in December 2021. It’d be a low cost solution for the organisers given the smaller size of Hobart’s cricket oval and it means Australian and international tourists can actually attend the game (a strong plus for any cricket match). Not only that but it’s been three years since Tassie hosted an international cricket match, so locals are desperate to see some action on their home turf.
Cricket Australia is yet to decide the fate of the fifth match, but it could be an exciting period for Tassie if it does get moved!
