XtraTime Web Desk: Optus stadium in Perth has emerged as frontrunner to host a Day-Night Test against India next summer. The main reason for hosting the D/N Test against India at Perth is the host broadcasters Fox prioritizing prime time subcontinent audiences.
Western Australian Cricket Association chief executive Christina Matthews says the nation’s leading venues Optus Stadium and Adelaide Oval deserve to stage an India Test next summer.
Fox is eyeing massive revenue in a Perth day-night Test and would pay Cricket Australia handsomely for the privilege.
Tim Paine’s men want to start the four-match Border-Gavaskar series in Brisbane where Australia hasn’t lost for 31 years, despite poor crowds.
“Perth is the ideal timeslot for Indian audiences. Indian and Ashes television rights are the two biggest returns for Australian cricket so it makes sense that could play into things,” Matthews told News Corp.
“Night time sport becomes the norm once you start doing it and outside of holiday time gives more people the chance to watch it. We are the only venue that got a victory against India last summer.”
South Australian Cricket Association chief executive Keith Bradshaw isn’t a fan of the pitching process for Tests.
Bradshaw notes record pink-ball attendances since 2015 mean Adelaide should host an India Test.
No state wants to host a one-off Afghanistan Test next November.
Matthews and SACA officials have warned against getting caught up in Australia’s 31-year unconquered record at the Gabba.
Brisbane attracted just 45,000 fans to the Pakistan Test series opener.
“There will be a process where they ask us to put a proposal in. Adelaide and Perth have the most modern stadiums and facilities and it seems ridiculous not to factor India Tests in to those stadiums,” said Matthews who is expecting a crowd of 100,000 in Perth next week featuring improved New Zealand.
“Yes, there are superstitions and grounds you like but our teams have to play well regardless of where they play.
“Australia beat India in Perth last year and won in three Ashes series here and would be every bit as good as Brisbane would be.”