WA border policy puts Hobart in Ashes frame

PREMIER Peter Gutwein is holding talks with Cricket Tasmania over the possibility of an historic Ashes Test in the state this summer, as doubts loom over Western Australia’s ability to stage the match.

Tasmania’s name has been thrown in the ring to host the fifth Test as WA’s strict border restrictions and Covid protocols could result in the match being moved.

WA’s state border policies, which demands certain visitors quarantine for two weeks, has raised concerns about whether the current Ashes schedule is possible, and if Perth will be able to hold the Test.

Mr Gutwein said Tasmania was interested in hosting an Ashes Test if circumstances allowed.

“I had a discussion with Cricket Tasmania again today and confirmed our position that we are very interested and open to the possibility of hosting an Ashes test should the opportunity arise,’’ the Premier said on Tuesday. “These discussions are ongoing.” It comes after debate sparked on Tuesday around which state could likely benefit from a possible Test relocation and Hobart was among those mentioned.

Federal Sports Minister and Tasmanian Liberal senator Richard Colbeck said he believed the current WA restrictions would result in the fifth Ashes Test being moved from the state, telling Perth radio station 6PR that players did not want to undertake the two-week quarantine required to play in the west.

“We’ve had to do a lot of work to organise quarantine arrangements for cricketers coming into Australia,” Senator Colbeck said.

“We want the Ashes tour to go ahead but I’d say there’s serious questions about whether or not there’ll be a Test match in Perth this summer.”

Senator Colbeck said players’ reluctance to quarantine, as well as the logistical issue created by the two-week quarantine requirement made him doubt the match would go ahead as scheduled.

The Perth Test is due to start on January 14, following the Sydney Test on January 5.

When asked about the possibility of Tasmania being given the fifth Test, Senator Colbeck offered full support for the idea.

“I know that my Premier (Peter Gutwein) is very interested,” the minister said. “I expect my Premier is talking to those he needs to talk to see what he can arrange.”