Perth Stadium is superior to the Gabba in every facet: Western Australia unhappy after India series snub

The whole world is bracing to witness the highly-anticipated India tour of Australia where Virat Kohli and his troops will aim to prove their dominance Down Under. For the marquee India tour, Cricket Australia is set to announce the schedule on Friday.

Gabba is locked in to host the first Test on December 3 before a day-night clash is slated to take place Adelaide, and the traditional Boxing Day and New Year’s are fixed in Melbourne and Sydney respectively.

However, after Cricket Australia’s decision to not let Perth host any of the four Tests, Western Australian cricket chief Christina Matthews has expressed her disappointment over CA’s decision. The WACA officials are fuming after being overlooked during the return of Virat Kohli’s men. Furthermore, Matthews also stated that the Perth Stadium is superior to the Gabba in every way.

Perth will receive the consolation prize of hosting the one-off inaugural Test against Afghanistan on November 21 at the Optus Stadium, before the India series commences.

“All the metrics associated with cricket over the last two years see us surpass Brisbane in every area, whether that’s crowds, broadcast ratings, even better rainfall at that time of year, more corporate seats – just so many indicators – and a brand new stadium,” Matthews told reporters on Thursday as quoted by Fox Sports.

“When Australian cricket’s primary objective is fans first, it is astounding that the 10,000 members who pay money to support cricket year after year in this state are not afforded the number one Test team to tour this year.

The last time (in 2014), we were told it was because our venue wasn’t good enough and if we supported a new stadium, this would never happen again. And here we are again,” she added.

‘CA not necessarily looking at the hardcore cricket fans’: Christina Matthews

Matthews was hopeful that the members will continue to extend their support post the snub. However, she expressed her disappointment saying that CA is not necessarily looking at hardcore cricket fans while deciding venues.

“We obviously hope that our members will continue to support us but we have to factor in that could be an AUD 3 or 4 million hit to us on membership alone,” Matthews said.

“They’re not necessarily looking at the hardcore cricket fans when they’re making those decisions. We’ve been told commercially, Brisbane is more viable for Australian cricket and that over an eight-year touring period from 2015 through to 2023 WA has a better schedule than anyone else,” added Matthews.

Despite the displeasure, Matthews said that WA is privileged to welcome the emerging nation– Afghanistan– and they’re looking forward to hosting the one-off Test fixture.