WA Premier Mark McGowan has announced the state will open their borders at 90 per-cent double-vaccination, leaving the fifth Test of The Ashes series up in the air.
The state is set to hit the target in late-January or early-February, and with the final Test of the series between Australia and England set for January 14th, there will be some serious question marks raised.
WA transition plan to take effect at 90 per cent double vaxxed - expected to be late Jan, early Feb, specific date to be set after 80 per cent, which is set to be achieved in December.
— Gareth Parker (@G_Parker) November 5, 2021
90 per cent double vaxxed rate must be achieved before WA border eases.
— Paddy Sweeney (@SweeneyPaddy9) November 5, 2021
Mark McGowan expects this to be achieved by late January or early February.@9NewsPerth
McGowan was quizzed on the potential of playing the Test and said their track-record means they can, but admitted it wasn't a priority.
"We held the AFL grand final, so I am sure we will be able to hold other sporting events," he said.
"Sport is not my number one priority."
And while players may be able to travel into Perth for the match, Sporting News' Melinda Farrell believes the issue may be with broadcast staff, but CA are keen on holding it in WA.
I suspect one of the biggest issues with holding the 5th #Ashes Test in Perth may be the broadcast. A significant number of specialists are needed for things like key camera positions, DRS etc. It's not simply a matter of getting the players in. https://t.co/GJRaYICHVG
— Melinda Farrell (@melindafarrell) November 5, 2021
Not at all. My understanding is that CA have every intention of holding it in Perth, as scheduled. Hopefully there's enough time to iron out the details and we may have more clarity by the time the first Test starts. https://t.co/L0FsJTypB0
— Melinda Farrell (@melindafarrell) November 5, 2021
The news from McGowan comes as Cricket Australia announced an updated schedule for the summer, including the cancellation of a Test match between Australia and Afghanistan.
"Cricket Australia has today confirmed updates to the 2021-22 summer of cricket schedule, including the postponement of the scheduled men's Test against Afghanistan, as well as men’s Ashes tour matches," the statement said.
"Following extensive consultation with relevant stakeholders, Cricket Australia and the Afghanistan Cricket Board have agreed to postpone the inaugural men’s Test match against Afghanistan which was set to be played in Hobart on November 27.
"CA is committed to support growing the game for women and men in Afghanistan and around the world, however, given the present uncertainty, CA felt it necessary to postpone the Test match until a later time when the situation is clearer.
"CA looks forward to hosting Afghanistan players in the BBL this season, who are great ambassadors for the game, and to hosting both the Afghanistan women’s and men’s team in the not too distant future.
"To ensure the best possible preparation for the Vodafone Men’s Ashes Series, an extended Australian squad will have an internal three-day match opportunity from December 1-3 at Redlands in Brisbane. The squad will be selected and announced in mid-November.
"England has also had its tour matches confirmed with a three-day warm up match between the England men’s team and the England Lions scheduled at Redlands from November 23-25.
"The two England sides will also play a four-day warm up match at Ian Healy Oval in Brisbane from November 30 to December 3, with the recently developed oval part of the new state-of-the-art National Cricket Campus.
"That will be the final preparation for both sides before the Vodafone Men’s Ashes Series commences at the Gabba on December 8, while Australia A will face the England Lions in a four-day match at Ian Healy Oval from December 9-12."