Cricket Australia have confirmed that the fifth and final Test match of the Ashes will be hosted by Hobart’s Blundstone Arena between 14-18 January.
The much-anticipated decision comes after the board was forced to shift the final match out of Perth due to strict Covid protocols.
This will be the first time that the state of Tasmania will host a men’s Ashes game. It will be a day-night, pink ball Test match to keep in sync with the original timings at Perth. “There were a range of considerations, including commercial, logistical and operational factors and 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.
Further, CA have also stated that Hobart had the edge in the race against Melbourne and Sydney because of the postponed game between Australia and Afghanistan.
“We also acknowledge the postponement of the Australia and Afghanistan Test due to take place in Hobart earlier in the year played a part in the decision.”
CA had deferred the Afghanistan tour after the Taliban taking over the administrative reigns of the country.