CA names Pakistan vs Australia’s first test as ‘West Test’

Cricket Australia Monday announced that the Perth Test will be known as "The West Test" and include an exciting new in-stadium experience for fans — inspired by the Western Australian Cricket Association (WACA) "The West Test Hill".

The Hill features three tiers and will house up to 500 patrons at a time.

The West Test Hill will include a family area with games for children and ample shaded seating spaces for fans to relax and enjoy the first Test match of the summer.

Additionally, the CommBank Women’s International Series Test match between Australia and South Africa will also carry The West Test name, creating continuity between the women’s and men’s game and Test cricket across the state’s two venues.

Cricket Australia General Manager, Events and Operations Joel Morrison said: “International cricket in Perth has always been one of the great events of the Australian summer. The ‘West Test’ will take this to another level combining world-class action on the field with brilliant experiences for fans within the stadium, including on ‘The Hill’ thanks to the support of NRMA Insurance.

He added that the historic rivalry between Australia and Pakistan has been rekindled since Australia's long-awaited tour to Pakistan last year so there is no better way to launch men’s international cricket this summer than via the West Test in one of the world’s great cities.

Meanwhile, WA Cricket CEO, Christina Matthews, said that the West Test will give Western Australians something to be proud of — Women’s and Men’s Test matches that feel uniquely theirs and showcase their brilliant stadia to the world.

“The first step in the transformation of our Men’s Test is The Hill, providing WA cricket fans with a new way to experience Australia’s clash with Pakistan at our world-class Perth Stadium," she said.

Matthews looks forward to working with CA and all partners in the game to continue developing The West Test event as they move towards series against India and England in the coming years.