Ashes 2021/22: Fifth Test In Perth Under Doubts After Border Restrictions Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

The fifth Ashes Test between Australia and England is doubtful to be conducted in Perth amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

After a recent surge in COVID-19 cases, border restrictions across Australia are being implemented strictly which poses a serious threat to the final Test in Perth.

West Australia has taken strict measures to combat the virus and it is unlikely the state will open its borders with New South Wales and Victoria till the beginning of next year.

I think Cricket Australia is going to spend some time having a look at that: Mike McKenna

According to a report by news agency IANS, Mike McKenna, chief executive officer (CEO) of the Optus Stadium — the venue for the fifth Ashes Test between January 14-18 — said that “there’s no way the summer could go ahead as scheduled in the current climate”.

“But I think the COVID situation even now would make you question that scheduling (of the Ashes Test). The direction they’re going in, it’s going to be very difficult for Cricket Australia to try to find a program that’s going to work easily. They’re no doubt thinking about that now,” Mike told SEN’s Dwayne’s World on Thursday.

“Right at the moment, it would not be possible to bring a team from New South Wales where they’re playing a Sydney Test to Perth, it just would not happen the way things are going. These things change, I think Cricket Australia is going to spend some time having a look at that.”

We’re ready to help Cricket Australia to move Perth Test in Ashes: Mike McKenna

Mike said that they are willing to coordinate with the Cricket Australia board in case there is a need to change the final Test of the Ashes.

“We’re ready to help Cricket Australia should they need to move Tests from other venues. But, who knows what the situation will be here, in Queensland or where South Australia might be by that part of the summer. We’re only hoping that we stay clear of COVID, but at some stage, West Australia will have to make some decisions about borders and opening up to COVID. Who knows what that all looks like and when,” Mike said.

The Ashes is scheduled to begin on December 8 at the Gabba in Brisbane.

Also Read: The Ashes 2021: British PM Boris Johnson Requests Australian PM Scott Morrison To Ease Quarantine Restrictions