First Ashes Test could be moved from the Gabba to SCG for 2021-22

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

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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.

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