NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet has laughed off makes an attempt by South Australia to steal the New Year’s Test from its conventional residence, declaring a washed-out match in Sydney remains to be higher than having it in Adelaide.
The Sydney Cricket Ground has hosted the primary Test on the calendar yearly since 1998, however there are calls from some folks for the match to be moved away given the elevated prevalence of rain within the space in early January.
The previous three Tests on the venue have all resulted in attracts, with no play in any respect on day three on this yr’s match in opposition to South Africa.
The final time the New Year’s Test wasn’t performed on the SCG was in 1997, though the SCG nonetheless hosted a match on January 1, with Pakistan defeating Australia in an ODI.
If Sydney does lose internet hosting rights, then the Adelaide Oval is able to pounce, with South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas calling on Cricket Australia to present his state the Test subsequent yr.
It’s rumoured that the Adelaide Oval will play host to the West Indies in late January subsequent yr, with the bottom more likely to appeal to one other bumper crowd after years of success with day/evening matches.
“There have been rumours floating around that Adelaide, yet again, will have a Test match hosting West Indies in the summer coming up after this one, which will be two years in a row,” Malinauskas instructed ABC Radio Adelaide.
“I think if those rumours have any substance, it’s pretty outrageous.”
The concept of Sydney shedding the match is extra complicated than simply the climate radar, with the SCG Test holding a particular place locally given how a lot cash and consciousness it raises for the McGrath Foundation.
It’s why Perrottet blasted ideas that his state ought to lose the historic summer season spectacle.
“A five-day washed out Test in Sydney is much better than a five-day Test in Adelaide,” he mentioned.
“Because at the end of it, you’ve spent five days in Adelaide.”
Former Test skipper and proud native lad Michael Clarke scoffed at requires Sydney to lose the New Year’s Test.
“Can’t take Boxing Day from the MCG and you can’t take New Year’s away from the SCG. It’s (an) absolute no-brainer. The day that stops is the day Test cricket is finished in this country,” he mentioned on Big Sports Breakfast.
“Their (Adelaide) Test match is perfect. When they’ve got it under lights, it’s perfect, it’s working so well. Why would they want to change that?”
Cricket NSW chief govt Lee Germon additionally backed the match to stay in its conventional slot going ahead.
“My initial reaction was not believing it,” he mentioned.
“It’s a ridiculous notion that the New Year’s Test should go to Adelaide when it’s so much a part of the culture not only of Australian cricket but also the culture of having the New Year’s Test in Sydney.
“I would argue the Sydney Test holds a special place no matter the weather. Most of the memorable moments over the last decade of Australian cricket have been held at the Sydney Cricket Ground, and we’ve had a number of results.
“The Sydney Test has become synonymous with the McGrath Foundation through the highly successful ‘Pink Test’ initiative. It also drives significant benefits to tourism in Sydney and the state of NSW.
“Scheduling discussions around a summer are always ongoing between stakeholders, but Cricket Australia have not given any indication to Cricket NSW that they are considering a move from tradition.
“Ultimately, we want what is best for Australian cricket and the fans of our sport, but we strongly believe that is not served by moving a longstanding and successful piece of the calendar.”
Source: www.news.com.au
