No WACA Test in 2014-15 cricket season

India, who will tour during the 2014-15 summer, will play four Tests in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide and Brisbane.



It will be the first time since 1976-77 season that the WACA Ground has not hosted a Test during an Australian summer.



However the decision does not affect the WACA hosting the Third Ashes Test, from December 13-17 against England this year.



The WACA will also host a three-day tour match, with WA playing England from October 31 to November 2.



The Indian tour decision has angered WA cricket officials and WACA chief executive Christina Matthews said the WACA was \'extremely disappointed\' with the Perth snub.



"The fans in WA have consistently supported Test cricket at the WACA and we are devastated that thousands of loyal cricket fans will not be able to see the Test match live against India,\" she said.



Perth will host additional one-day internationals during the summer but Ms Matthews said there was no compensation for losing a Test.



"The ongoing effect this loss will have on the WACA and cricket in Western Australia will be devastating and we are extremely disappointed by the decision, not only for the Association, but for our Members and WA cricket supporters,\" she said.



"We will continue talks with CA and will be seeking an understanding from them of all the elements behind the decision."



Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland said the WACA\'s capacity and facilities were factors in the decision to axe Perth from the Test schedule.



"Though a traditional Test match venue with a proud history, the WACA ground has the smallest capacity of the five mainland Test venues and has historically attracted lower attendances,\" he said.



\"The WACA has been working hard to improve the facilities for its fans but it still requires significant improvements.\"



Ms Matthews said the WACA had outlined several reasons why Perth should remain a Test venue.



"Domestic TV ratings from the Perth match of the last series between these two nations was the equal highest in Australia at 1.12 million,\" she said.



"The 2008 and 2012 Tests between Australia and India at the WACA were also extremely well attended, with the first three days of the 2012 Test sold out, so the WA cricket fans are the big losers here.\"



Mr Sutherland said it was a one-off situation that he does not see happening again.



"All have strong claims for hosting a Test and many factors were taken into consideration, including the allocation of 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup matches, but on this occasion the Adelaide Oval and the Gabba were considered to have the strongest claims,\" he said.



"The Adelaide Oval is scheduled to complete a $535 million dollar re-development this season that will see the venue deliver world-class facilities for fans, players, broadcasters and media.



\"The Oval has also built up a strong history of attendance over many seasons and the new facilities will only add to that fan experience.



"The Gabba is a large high quality venue in Australia's third largest city and serves a large population of Australian cricket fans, including the large urban areas of the Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast, plus many who travel long distances to make the annual trip to Brisbane for the Test match.



"Another factor in the Gabba's favour was the limitations on their ability to effectively host other international cricket matches in the 2014-15 summer due to the G20 summit and the 2015 Asian Cup being scheduled respectively in November 2014 and January 2015.\"
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