Perth’s hopes of hosting a fifth Ashes Test were in serious doubt after Western Australia’s premier on Tuesday said players and broadcasters would be required to quarantine for 14 days upon entry into the state.
Read also: Warne wants Richardson to replace Starc for Ashes opener
Cricket officials were confident that a potentially decisive clash between Australia and England would go ahead in the city following suggestions that some of its toughest Covid restrictions be eased or relaxed.
But the new Omicron . rise of coronavirus The version complicates matters and Premier Mark McGowan indicated the state’s strict quarantine rules would remain in place.
Canberra and Hobart have both expressed interest in hosting the match should Perth be ruled out, although a second Test in Sydney or Melbourne is also an option.
“Talking about the Ashes and Cricket We have very strict rules in Australia,” McGowan told reporters.
“We have told them that they need a 14-day quarantine and this has to apply to all broadcast staff, all cricket staff.”
The Perth Test is set to begin on January 14, five days after the fourth Test in Sydney, meaning a two-week quarantine period will not be possible.
Read also: Root confident England can do despite ‘something special’
McGowan insisted that the families of the players would not be allowed under any circumstances.
“They can’t just bring wives and girlfriends with them – the same rules we put in place for the AFL (Australian rules). It’s up to them whether they want to follow those rules or not.”
Australian media said the Melbourne Cricket Ground was at the forefront to replace Perth, possibly with the pink ball under lights as a day-night match.
The Ashes gets underway in Brisbane next week before Perth moves on to Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney.
get all IPL news and cricket score Here
,