Cricket Australia (CA) has reportedly released a provisional list for the 2014-15 Test allocation for the Border-Gavaskar series against India, although it left Perth out of the list of cities to host the Tests.
CA had reportedly stated that Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide and Brisbane would stage 2014-15 Border-Gavaskar Tests 'subject to the resolution of certain conditions'.
According to News.com.au, CA had previously said that any government or state association with a compelling business case would assist in winning the right to host a Test, which has left state officials and politicians under immense pressure.
The report mentioned that South Australian Cricket Association (SACA), Western Australian Cricket Association (WACA) and Queensland Cricket had fought to keep the money spinning Tests featuring India as losing a Test is a massive blow to any association's membership model.
However, the report further said that SACA boss Keith Bradshaw persuaded CA and helped ensure Adelaide Oval kept a coveted Test, with SACA president Ian McLachlan saying that Adelaide Oval, one of the best venues in the country, will deliver a superior spectator experience along with the best standards in facilities and amenities in Australia.
Although the report mentioned that Perth would be compensated with additional one-day games against South Africa, Channel Nine's 500 million-dollar broadcast rights investment desired to cash in on prime time viewing in the eastern states.
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Disappointed at the decision, WACA chief executive Christina Matthews said that they are devastated that the Western Australian fans will not be able to see the Test match live against India, adding that the WACA has been undergoing a planning process to look at increasing the size of the ground and improving patron facilities.
However, Matthews admitted that the process will take time and cannot be done in time for the 2014-15 season, adding that they are also discussing with the state government over planning around the new Perth Stadium and improvements to the WACA ground.
