Lightning fast WACA wicket to die slow death as cricket shifts to new venue

A general view of the WACA stadium

The Western Australia Cricket Association (WACA) Ground will be stripped of big Test and ODIs from 2018. The international matches involving India, England and South Afrcia will be moved newly built stadium at Burswood.

Under the new approved blueprint by WACA board, Tests involving other countries and Sheffield Shield matches will still be host by the WACA stadium. Australia's T20 league - Big Bash League - will also be moved to the new Perth Stadium.

The pitch of the WACA stadium was considered as one of the fastest in he world. It was a fast bowlers paradise because of the green top wickets. The ground debuted in 1970 and Australia hold a tremendous record there in Tests by winning 24 off 41 matches played.

The WACA chairman Sam Gannon said moving cricket to the modern will give players and spectators the facilities which are expected for the modern sport, reports ESPNcricinfo.

"The recommendations will see growth of cricket at all levels from grassroots to the elite," Gannon said. "We now have the opportunity to showcase the best of world and domestic cricket at two modern stadiums, providing players and spectators with facilities expected for modern sport.

"Cricket patrons in Western Australia acknowledge that the WACA Ground facilities need improving and the WACA board has committed to a clear framework to invest in upgrades and ensure the ongoing viability of the WACA Ground and cricket in Western Australia.

"By adopting the recommendations, the board and management have a clear direction for taking cricket forward. The next stage will be about bringing that vision to reality by refining the structural requirements of the ground, developing a staged building program and securing the funding."

Drop-in pitches will be used at the new Perth Stadium to bring the same pace and bounce of the WACA wicket.

"Prototypes of the drop-ins are being developed with the same soil, clay and grass profile as the existing wickets at the WACA Ground," the website further reported. "The prototype wickets will be placed in the ground at the centre of Gloucester Park and the WACA turf team will be responsible for developing them.

"In addition, at the appropriate time in the maturation process, Warriors players will bowl and bat on them to provide player feedback before the actual wickets are developed. To assist with the development of the wickets Cricket Australia has engaged the former curator at the MCG who is the most experienced in the country in drop-in wicket technology."

James Sutherland, Cricket Australia chief executive, said the new structure for cricket in Western Australia had the support of the board.

"The strategy for Australian cricket is all about putting fans first and that's exactly what this move will do," Sutherland said. "It will provide cricket with world-class facilities for patrons and players and further strengthen our position as Australia's favourite sport."

Here’s the WACA 2030 vision video:

Some facts about the new stadium plan:

• The new Perth Stadium will be open for the 2018 AFL season.
• A multi-purpose venue capable of hosting AFL, rugby, football (soccer), cricket and entertainment events.
• The capacity of the stadium will be around 55,000-60,000 seats.
• A ‘fans first’ approach to design and technology.