Drop-in pitch installed at Perth stadium ahead of Australia-Pakistan series

The Perth Stadium is preparing for a packed summer of cricket, beginning with the installation of a drop-in pitch for the upcoming Pakistan-Australia white-ball series. Interestingly, along with the development, the stadium is on the way to hosting its first international fixture of the season.

After a four-year gap, the Pakistan team is flying to Australia. The tour comprises of three ODIs and three T20Is and is scheduled to begin on November 4 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, with Perth Stadium hosting its first match on November 10 for the third ODI.

In collaboration with HG Turf, the pitch was transported using a specialised 30-meter-long, 40-tonne cricket wicket transporter, a piece of machinery exclusive to Western Australia. The technical achievement ensures optimal playing conditions for the upcoming matches.

The venue will host the crucial West Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India (November 22-26), followed by five home matches for the Perth Scorchers in BBL 2024-25, including the season opener against Melbourne Stars on December 15.

Australia announced their squad for the ODI series, with Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh set to miss out due to paternity leave. Their spots will be filled by young talents Jake Fraser-McGurk and Matthew Short. The squad continues to feature experienced players like Pat Cummins, Steve Smith, and Glenn Maxwell. Meanwhile, Pakistan is yet to announce the squad, with Mohammad Rizwan emerging as the frontrunner for white-ball captaincy.

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Australia-Pakistan 2024 fixtures

ODI Series

4 November: MCG, Melbourne (D/N)

8 November: Adelaide Oval, Adelaide (D/N)

10 November: Perth Stadium, Perth (D/N)

T201 Series

14 November: The Gabba, Brisbane (N)

16 November: SCG, Sydney (N)

18 November: Bellerive Oval, Hobart (N)