WACA future under microscope

The future of Test cricket in Perth will become clearer in December when a semi-independent body formed by the Western Australian Cricket Association hands down its report on the WACA Ground.

Perth was left off the rotation for the four-Test series against India this summer and with a new 60,000 Perth Stadium to be built by 2018, the storied WACA Ground is in desperate need of an upgrade. 

A Future Development Strategy Committee, headed by Perth-based strategic marketing guru Michael Smith, will make recommendations on the redevelopment and associated infrastructure at the WACA Ground, along with possible funding options.

WACA Chairman Sam Gannon played down the prospect of Test cricket moving to the under-construction Perth Stadium, but the option of a relocation away from the WACA Ground would be considered.

"During the past two years we have invested significant funds in facilities at the WACA Ground, but clearly we need to consider options that meet the current and future expectations of spectators and make watching cricket more enjoyable," Gannon said.

"The new Perth Stadium at Burswood will bring new options for sports such as cricket and football in this State, and how these will fit with existing facilities such as the WACA and Patersons Stadium will be important considerations."

Gannon said the WACA Board remained committed to the WACA Ground "at this stage".

"Based on historical attendance data and examples of other venues around Australia, Test Matches at the new Perth Stadium would not appear to be viable, notwithstanding the commercial terms for staging events at the new Perth Stadium are still unknown," he said.

"The review currently being conducted by Mr Smith and his committee will consider all options, including this issue and I am confident we will determine an outcome that will see cricket continue to prosper in Western Australia."

The WA Cricket Association last year pulled the plug on a planned redevelopment of the ground, leading to the State having to reimburse a building contractor about $3 million.

The WACA Ground was the venue where England returned the Ashes urn to Australia last December as Michael Clarke's men took a three-nil series lead on their way to a series whitewash.

On a tour of the Perth Stadium construction site ahead of that Test, WA sport minister Terry Waldron said the WACA Ground would "continue to be the home of cricket in Western Australia" but expected regular international cricket to be played at the new venue.

Quick Single: WACA will remain 'home of cricket' in WA

“The construction of this stadium – a 60,000 seat stadium with the ability to play cricket here and the flexibility to hold big matches here – the bigger Tests, one-day internationals, World Cup fixtures, T20 competition," said Waldron.

“I’m sure once people come along to this stadium for the big games of cricket they’ll want to come here."

In announcing that Perth was missing from this summer's schedule of Test matches, Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland said facilities in the west were not up to scratch.

“Though a traditional Test match venue with a proud history, the WACA Ground has the smallest capacity of the five mainland Test venues and has historically attracted lower attendances," said Sutherland.

"The WACA has been working hard to improve the facilities for its fans but it still requires significant improvements."

The Future Development Strategy Committee also includes current WACA Board members, former executive director of Harvey Norman Stephen Hauville, St John of God Hospital Subiaco CEO Dr Lachlan Henderson, Mining executive Alan Rule, Federal Member for Pearce Christian Porter and WACA CEO Christina Matthews.