Sydney, March 19: Optus Stadium in Perth is all set to host the opening Test of the much-anticipated five-match series between Australia and India, according to an inside source. The source, speaking anonymously to The Sydney Herald, revealed that reviving Test cricket in Perth was a key factor in this decision.

Perth's new 60,000-seat stadium witnessed disappointing crowds during last season's Tests, with the highest attendance falling short of half the capacity for the Pakistan series. However, the upcoming marquee series featuring India and the subsequent England tour in 2026 are expected to draw larger crowds.

The source further hinted at a strategic scheduling move. The significant time difference between Perth and India (three hours) and the inclusion of a day-night Test in Adelaide are seen as a way to create primetime cricket viewership leading into the Big Bash League on Channel Seven and Fox. This could potentially pave the way for an uninterrupted Big Bash season running from mid-December to late January.

While Cricket Australia has yet to officially confirm the schedule, the second Test is expected to be played at Adelaide Oval, followed by Brisbane's Gabba hosting the third. The iconic Boxing Day Test will likely take place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, with the series concluding at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

An official announcement regarding the schedule is expected by the end of the month, but Cricket Australia has already unveiled the details for the upcoming seasons of the Big Bash League.