Ashes fifth Test moved out of Perth due to border restrictions

The mandatory 14-day quarantine rule by the Western Australian government has forced Cricket Australia to shift the fifth and final Ashes Test in Perth to elsewhere after failing to get exemptions for the traveling contingent. Hobart and at the Melbourne Cricket Ground are now the two likely venues where the match will be played without interrupted the set schedule.

The fifth match, scheduled from January 14-18 at the Perth Stadium, was supposed to take place five days after the final day of fourth Test in Sydney on January 9.

"We are very disappointed that we are unable to stage the fifth men's Ashes Test at Perth Stadium," Nick Hockley, the Cricket Australia chief executive, said. 

"We did everything we could in partnership with the WA Government and WA Cricket to make it work under the current border and health arrangements, but unfortunately this was not possible. We are particularly disappointed for Western Australian cricket fans who were so looking forward to seeing the first ever Ashes Test at the new stadium."

The Queensland government had earlier suggested to Hockley to host the first two Tests at the Gabba, while New South Wales government and Cricket ACT are also willing to offer the Sydney Cricket Ground and Manuka Oval for the fifth Test.