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Ashes 2021-22: England wicketkeeper Jos Buttler wants to play fifth Test at Perth’s Optus Stadium

Samantha RogersThe West Australian
England wicketkeeper Jos Buttler wants to play the fifth Test in Perth, saying it would be a ‘great shame’ if the Ashes can’t be played at Optus Stadium. 
Camera IconEngland wicketkeeper Jos Buttler wants to play the fifth Test in Perth, saying it would be a ‘great shame’ if the Ashes can’t be played at Optus Stadium.  Credit: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images

England wicketkeeper Jos Buttler wants to play the fifth Test in Perth, saying it would be a “great shame” if the Ashes can’t be played at Optus Stadium.

As border challenges and an alarming new COVID variant sees the potential series decider slip further out of WA’s grasp, the MCG has emerged as the likely replacement should the state be unable to host the January 14-18 fixture.

Buttler, who is preparing for his first taste of Ashes cricket in Australia, said he hopes Perth remains on the schedule.

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“I’ve not been part of an Ashes series in Australia, but the Perth Test is always a fantastic game,” he said.

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“It’d be a great shame if the game can’t be played in Perth... that new stadium (Optus) is fantastic.

“Fingers crossed that things improve and the tour can run as scheduled.”

Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler.
Camera IconBen Stokes and Jos Buttler. Credit: Gareth Copley/Getty Images

WA Cricket CEO Christina Matthews this week labelled Perth’s chances of hosting the Test as 50-50.

She said the organisation stands to lose around $5 million should WA be denied this summer’s match, as well as Big Bash League clashes, over border closures.

The West Australian reported the MCG was preparing to host the fifth and final Test of the series should Perth not be an option, with Cricket Australia saying they were “doing everything it can to ensure a Perth Test match goes ahead”.

It comes as rain wrecked havoc on England’s red ball preparation, with stars Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Stuart Broad and James Anderson denied match practice due to poor weather in Brisbane.

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