IT has been a mixed day for cricket lovers following the announcement that December’s Ashes Test will not be played at Perth Stadium.
Softening the blow for some, Ed Sheeran will play perform at the stadium on March 3.
Perth Stadium is now 82 per cent complete and set to be open for the start of the 2018 AFL season.
Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE
Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.
READ NOWThe State Government confirmed with Cricket Australia that the Ashes Test will be played at the WACA Ground from December 14 to 18.
Sport and Recreation Minister Mick Murray said the idea of an Ashes Test opening Perth Stadium was only ever a “Colin Barnett thought bubble”.
“The scheduled opening has always been the start of the 2018 AFL season and that is what we’re working towards,” he said.
“Hosting the Ashes Test at the new stadium would have been a spectacle, but unfortunately it’s just not possible and the State Government is now working to correct the problems we have inherited.
“Confirmation of the Ed Sheeran concert in March 2018, just ahead of the first AFL match is a fantastic outcome for West Australians, and we will continue to investigate the possibility of earlier events.”
MORE: Netball charity tournament raises thousands for type 1 diabetes centre
MORE: Life Now: fighting back from cancer with help of youth exercise program
MORE: Surf Life Saving WA calls for shark sighting verification