Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has declared the Boxing Day Test will remain at the MCG and labelled Western Australia "try hards" in their bid to poach the iconic event.
The deal between Cricket Australia and the Melbourne Cricket Club expires this summer, with Visit Victoria, the state's tourism and major events company featuring former CA executive Damien de Bohun, central to discussions.
Events during and before a Test have become almost as important as the ability to host a Test, something Melbourne has embraced in recent years with a major fan day on the grounds outside the MCG and this year an Indian summer festival.
Special day: Cricket fans flock to the MCG for Boxing Day.Credit:Eddie Jim
As revealed by The Age, Perth's new $1.6 billion Optus Stadium is keen to have CA award it the Boxing Day Test although the WA government under Premier Mark McGowan has not offered any backing. If there is no backing, Perth has no hope of making a major splash in a year CA is reviewing several of its venue-hire agreements.
Advertisement
Optus Stadium hosted last week's second Test against India, with venue boss Mike McKenna keen to deliver a match during the festive Christmas and New Year period.
Andrews, however, guaranteed the iconic clash, which has been held at the MCG since 1980, bar 1989 when a one-day international was staged, would remain in Victoria.
"Perth want the (AFL) grand final and we have made sure that is not happening until 2057. The Boxing Day Test, outside of Melbourne, really, c'mon. That can't be serious, surely," he said.
"Mark McGowan, who is a good mate of mine, he hasn't rung me. I am pretty confident the Boxing Day Test will be staying where it has always been and where it always will be – here at the mighty MCG. We do these events better than anyone else and, when you think about it, we can always fill this stadium. It's no small thing to have a record crowd at the MCG.
"The Boxing Day Test will be staying at the mighty Melbourne Cricket Ground and Perth – they are king of try hards with this sort of stuff, aren't they? They are always wanting to pinch events but they never, ever get there.
"They built this brand new stadium but they have got no events to run in it. It's why they want to steal all the wonderful events Victoria is famous for. My message to our friends in the west is that simply will not be happening."
CA and its host television broadcasters also have the ability to double as tourism spruikers through footage of iconic Victorian sites but that would require more financial support from the state government.
"Cricket is a really big part of the life of so many Victorians but it's also a really important part of jobs, investment, and keeping the Victorian economy strong," Andrews said.
There will also be a focus on the standard of the MCG pitch this year, for another poor rating and loss of demerit points from the International Cricket Council could have ramifications.
While last year's poor rating does not count under the revised grading conditions introduced in January, meaning the loss of three demerit points were wiped clean, match referee Andy Pycroft may have an intriguing call to make.
While the MCC will almost certainly secure a new deal, CA has shown a willingness to make changes. Queensland's Gabba has dropped in the pecking order, with its Test this summer in late January against Sri Lanka, while Hobart's Bellerive Oval has slipped even further to the point Canberra's Manuka Oval will make its Test debut, also against Sri Lanka.
CA chief Kevin Roberts was unable to guarantee the MCG would retain the Test, admitting only that a deal with the MCC was under negotiation.
"We are working through the details of that over the coming months. What I would say is that I don't know if there is another sporting precinct anywhere in the world, and we are blessed to be able to put on one of cricket's most iconic events at one of the most iconic venues in world sport. We hope to keep it that way," he said.
Western Australian Cricket Association chief Christina Matthews has flagged pushing for a day-night Test in Perth, although the three-hour time difference with the eastern seaboard through summer would have implications for broadcasters.
Jon Pierik is a sports writer with The Age, focusing primarily on AFL football, cricket and basketball. He has won awards for his cricket and basketball writing.
Most Viewed in Sport
[contf] [contfnew] 
Australian Breaking News Headlines
[contfnewc] [contfnewc]
