Disparaged And Ugly But The WACA Will Still Be So Missed

Chris Stocks is seeing England at the WACA for the last time, but what makes it so special?

- Chris Stocks

It was entirely fitting that the opening day of this final Ashes Test at the WACA was played under blue skies and in scorching heat. This is a part of the world where the climate is harsh and for England, who have won here only once, the results are usually even harsher.

This ground is certainly not a thing of beauty. The 70-metre-high concrete floodlight pylons, installed in 1986 and, as is mandatory, must always be referred to as ‘iconic’, are ugly.

The rest of the WACA, a mix of concrete, corrugated iron and grass banks, is much the same.

However, this is a proper cricket venue – unique, atmospheric and boisterous.

To think England will never play another Test here again is sad, even if their dismal record – which before this match read played 13, won one, drawn three and lost nine – will not be missed.

The WACA will still host Test cricket but from next year the big three drawcards of India, South Africa and England will play Australia at the new 60,000-capacity Perth Stadium, which lies just across the Swan River within sight of the old ground.

Australia captain Steve Smith, speaking on the eve of this third Ashes Test, said: “It’s been a pretty special ground for a long period of time and we’ve always liked playing here. It’ll be nice to end things on a really good note for us here.”