CANBERRA will throw its hat in the ring for a shot at hosting the fifth Ashes test at Manuka Oval.
The final game is up for grabs after Cricket Australia confirmed that it would not take place in Perth, where it was originally scheduled, due to ongoing COVID-19 border restrictions.
Other states have also made a bid for the match, with Hobart looking like the current favourite to host its first-ever Ashes test.
But the ACT government will also make a formal pitch to bring the urn to the capital.
“Manuka Oval successfully hosted its first Test match, Australia versus Sri Lanka, in February 2019,” said Chief Minister Andrew Barr.
“In our response to the EOI, we will draw on the experience gained from hosting that Test match, along with the many COVID-safe matches that were moved to Manuka in the 2020/21 cricket season.
“Canberrans love watching international cricket at Manuka Oval, with this in mind the ACT Government would love to provide our community with another opportunity to witness world-class sport in our city.”
The game is slated for January 14 and it’s believed Cricket Australia will have a decision within the week.
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