HUW TURBERVILL: Despite England's wretched record in Brisbane, Cricket Australia are planning a major change to ensure the bigger grounds appear earlier in the series
England could kick off their bid to win back the Ashes from Australia in 2021-22 at the more welcoming Sydney Cricket Ground, rather than The Gabba.
Cricket Australia are contemplating the change because the outcome of the series is often already decided by the time it reaches the fourth and fifth Tests at Melbourne (usually the Boxing Day Test) and Sydney (New Year’s Day) respectively.
It is also felt that with fans now travelling far more than they used to, they may wish to explore the other big Australian cities over the Christmas holidays.
The Gabba in Brisbane has staged the opening Test in all but one of the 19 Ashes series since the Second World War. The exception was 1982/83 when Bob Willis’ men played the first Test at Perth’s Waca.
They didn’t play a Test at the Gabba in 1979/80, but the Ashes was not up for grabs that winter.
Australia’s hold over England at Brisbane has been undeniable – England have won there only twice in that time period, thanks to the brilliance of Ian Botham in 1986/87, and against the under-strength Aussies depleted by the defections to the Packer Circus in 1978/79. Australia have won 12, with five draws.
England’s record at the Waca since the war is even worse with just one win and 10 defeats in fourteen Tests but next time they are expected to play at the new Perth Stadium instead.
Their record at the SCG will give them hope having prevailed in eight and drawn seven of the 26 Ashes Tests. They have won four Tests since the 1946/47 series at the Adelaide Oval, with 10 defeats and five stalemates.
Posted by Wayne on 08/03/2021 at 20:59
Absolute madness. CAs priority has now gone from winning cricket matches to concern for state of the series? The Sydney and Melbourne tests have always been the final 2 tests and are always well attended regardless of the series situation. Why give up your advantage? It's all about winning the series first and always should be. Pure folly if CA consider this move.
Posted by josh on 25/01/2021 at 20:20
hi cricket
Posted by Trevor Walker on 28/12/2020 at 13:17
when will venues and dates of be announced for 21-22 ashes series
Posted by errol on 24/02/2020 at 05:59
why do you always want to change things just to suit your self India do the same if you can not handle the Gabba don't come at all simple
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