Fifth Ashes Test moved from Perth over border restrictions in Western Australia

Cricket Australia (CA) have confirmed that the fifth Test of the Ashes series between Australia and England will be moved from Perth to another venue because of the border controls in place in Western Australia.

CA, in a press release, stated that attempts to negotiate conditions for the January 14-18 match Optus Stadium that would suit all parties had proved impossible and that discussions had begun over a replacement venue.

"We are very disappointed that we are unable to stage the Ashes test at Perth Stadium," CA chief executive Nick Hockley said in a statement.

"We did everything we could ... to make it work under the current border and health arrangements, but unfortunately this was not possible."

Western Australia have strict Covid-19 protocols in place and have banned travellers from New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia from crossing its border without undergoing 14 days quarantine.

The fourth Test is scheduled to finish in the New South Wales capital of Sydney on January 9, leaving insufficient time for the players to complete their period of isolation.

Meanwhile, Hobart's Bellerive Oval is favourite to take over hosting rights for the fifth Test. Officials in Sydney and Melbourne have also indicated they would be prepared to host a second Test in the series.