Australian Camp Expresses Discontent Over Venue Switch
Mitchell Starc has openly admitted that the Australian cricket team is upset by the decision to move the opening Ashes Test from its traditional home at Brisbane's Gabba to the Perth Stadium. The Gabba, famously nicknamed 'the Gabbatoir' for its daunting record against visiting teams, has been a fortress for Australia, with England managing only two victories there in their last 20 attempts stretching back to 1946.
When questioned about whether his side could expect a similar home advantage at the new venue, Starc responded candidly, "We’ll find out in a week, won’t we? They don’t listen to the players, we would have liked to start in Brisbane, too." This sentiment highlights a clear disconnect between the players' preferences and the scheduling decisions made by cricket authorities.
Contrasting Views from the England Camp and the Curator
In stark contrast, England's newcomer Gus Atkinson acknowledged that the venue change might actually benefit the tourists. "There are no scars for me," said the first-time Ashes tourist, "history would say it’s probably a good thing we’re not starting at the Gabba." This perspective underscores the psychological hold the Brisbane ground has had on English teams for generations.
However, Isaac McDonald, the chief curator at Perth Stadium, has robustly defended the decision. He pointed out that Perth's relative proximity to the UK makes it a logical first stop for the series. "Being a direct flight from the UK to Perth it kind of makes sense that it is the first one," McDonald stated, adding that he is relishing the extra hype that comes with launching a marquee Ashes series.
Pitch Preparation and Metallica's Unlikely Role
One of the major talking points has been the condition of the pitch, especially since the stadium hosted a massive Metallica concert just days after the drop-in wicket was installed. McDonald moved to allay any fears, confirming that "the wicket came out of the concerts unscathed, with no scarring." He explained that the timing was, in fact, perfect, giving his team adequate time to restore moisture and prepare the surface properly for the Test match.
Australia's record at Perth Stadium is strong, with four wins from five matches, their only defeat being a chaotic game against India last year where 17 wickets fell on the first day. Starc himself expressed a fondness for the old WACA ground, noting the unique wind conditions at the new stadium: "The Fremantle Doctor comes in. It’s swirly wind here, not one direction. You can have three directions each over."
Learning from the experience of the India Test, McDonald has adjusted his preparations. "On reflection maybe I was a day late on the prep," he admitted, revealing that this year his team started a day earlier to ensure the characteristic pace and bounce of a Perth pitch are present from day one. The Test will be played on the same drop-in pitch used in the previous five matches at the venue, which was rated "very good" by the ICC despite the first-day frenzy against India.
McDonald insists he operates with complete independence, stating he has received "absolutely no directives from anyone ever" on how to prepare the wicket. His focus remains on delivering the seam-friendly, pacey conditions for which Perth is famous. "Low and slow is just not possible," he affirmed. Despite all his confidence and meticulous preparation, McDonald admits to a nervous wait on the morning of the match, describing the hours before the first ball as "a slow, slow five-hour sit-around for me" until play finally gets underway.
