Ashes 2021-22 – Hobart to host 5th Test: Hobart is all set to host an Ashes Test for the first time after Cricket Australia (CA) on Saturday announced that Blundstone Arena will host the fifth Test from January 14. Follow Ashes 2021-22 Live on InsideSport.IN.
The Test match, the second Day-Night affair in the series, will be the first hosted by Tasmania in more than five years – since Australia were thrashed by an innings by South Africa in November 2016.
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Ashes 2021-22: Hobart wins tender to host 5th Test, set to become part of Ashes history for the 1st time
Australia vs England 5th Test: Hobart had been set to host the Australia-Afghanistan Test last month before that was cancelled, and Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley said that was another consideration that fell in the city’s favour.
Earlier, Perth Stadium had lost the rights of the series-decider due to Western Australia’s tough border controls and Melbourne’s MCG ground reportedly fell out of the race after sluggish ticket sales for the Boxing Day Test and the ongoing BBL.
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“We considered a range of factors, including commercial, logistical and operational considerations,” Hockley said.
“On the balance of these the CA board agreed on Blundstone Arena being the most appropriate venue to host the fifth Vodafone Men’s Ashes Test match.
“We also acknowledge the postponement of the Australia and Afghanistan Test due to be played in Hobart earlier in the year played a part in the decision.”
Tasmania premier Peter Gutwein has declared that the 5th Ashes Test will be the “biggest sporting event” ever hosted in Tasmania, also indicating that the coronavirus-safe capacity for each day of the mooted Ashes Test in his home state will be 14,000.
“This is a great day not just for Tasmanian cricket, but for Tasmania in general,” Cricket Tasmania CEO Dominic Baker said in a statement.
“This will be without a doubt the biggest sporting event Tasmania has ever hosted.”
“While the circumstances that have led us to be able to have the opportunity to host this Test are undoubtedly unique, we are thrilled that Tasmanians will have this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness an Ashes Test in their own backyard.”
The second Pink-ball Test set to impact pace bowling selections
The second Day-Night pink-ball Test in the series is now set to impact the pace bowling selections on both the sides. While James Anderson, who is currently gearing up for the first Day-Night Test in Adelaide is certain to feature in the series finale, Australia will also like to rotate their bowlers and keep the likes of Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins fit for the mouth-watering contest.
Ashes 2021-22: Hobart wins tender to host 5th Test, set to become part of Ashes history for the 1st time
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