Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc has revealed that national team players are frustrated with the decision to relocate the opening Ashes Test from Brisbane’s Gabba to Perth Stadium. The Gabba, traditionally hosting the series opener, holds significant psychological advantages for the home side, having witnessed only two English victories there since 1946.
Starc expressed the team’s preference for beginning the series in Brisbane, stating, “Player input wasn’t considered in this decision. We would have preferred to launch our campaign at the Gabba.” When questioned about whether Perth could offer similar home-ground benefits, the veteran paceman remained cautious, noting the unpredictability of the new venue’s conditions.
England’s emerging pace bowler Gus Atkinson acknowledged the historical significance of avoiding Brisbane, suggesting that previous English struggles at the ground made the venue change potentially advantageous for the visiting side.
Perth Stadium’s head groundsman, Isaac McDonald, defended the scheduling decision, highlighting the city’s geographical advantages as the first stop for teams arriving from the United Kingdom. “The direct flight connection makes Perth a logical starting point,” McDonald explained, adding that the city has successfully hosted the season-opening Test for four consecutive years.
The pitch preparation faced an unusual challenge with a major rock concert occurring shortly after the drop-in wicket was installed. McDonald assured that the surface emerged undamaged from the event, with the timing actually benefiting the pitch’s conditioning process.
The Perth Stadium has produced varied playing conditions since replacing the traditional Waca ground. Starc noted the differences between venues, recalling the distinctive characteristics of the old ground while acknowledging the unpredictable wind patterns at the newer facility.
McDonald has implemented adjusted preparation schedules following last year’s Test against India, where 17 wickets fell on the opening day. “We’ve advanced our timeline by 24 hours to ensure optimal firmness and bounce from day one,” the curator explained. The same pitch used in that memorable match will host the Ashes opener after undergoing off-season recovery.
Despite the dramatic start to last year’s India Test, the surface received the highest rating from cricket’s global governing body. McDonald emphasized his commitment to producing pitches that showcase Perth’s traditional pace and bounce, rejecting suggestions of preparing surfaces to favor the home team.
The groundsman admitted to experiencing nerves before the match, describing the hours leading to the first ball as “the slowest wait.” He detailed his matchday routine, arriving before dawn and enduring an anxious period until play confirms whether his preparation work has succeeded.
The highly anticipated Ashes series begins with both teams adapting to the unfamiliar circumstances of a Perth opener, setting the stage for what promises to be a compelling contest between traditional rivals.
