Subiaco Oval will not host Perth Ashes Test

Tony Dodemaide, the WACA chief executive, has rejected claims the Perth Ashes Test could be staged at Subiaco Oval instead of the state's traditional home. Wayne Bradshaw, the WA Football Commission's chief executive, said in the West Australian today a switch to the football oval, which holds about 41,000 supporters compared to the WACA's 23,000, was possible before the third Test scheduled for December 14.

However, Dodemaide replied quickly by saying the WACA board had no plans to move the match and the WACA ground remained the most suitable venue for international cricket. "Subiaco is a purpose-built football oval with a majority of the 40,000 capacity seated square of the wicket, which is undesirable for cricket," he said. "There is no comparison.

"Like the spiritual home of cricket in London, the WACA is a world-class and world-famous cricket ground. Why wouldn't you play the Ashes here? This decision has been made by the WACA board taking into account a number of factors and with four former Australian Test players on the board we are more than confident that we have chosen the best venue."

The board, which includes Dennis Lillee, Graeme Wood, Wally Edwards and Sam Gannon, is overseeing plans to increase the WACA's capacity temporarily for the Test to cater for the increased demand. The first Test played at the ground was against England in 1970-71 and the ground has since hosted a further 32 Tests.