Manuka Oval Needs Upgrades Before It Can Host Test Cricket Matches

Cricket Australia has told the ACT government Manuka Oval's media and corporate facilities require upgrades to host a Test match, "after the Canberra venue was snubbed from next summer's fixtures," according to Jon Tuxworth of the SYDNEY MORNING HERALD. While officials remain confident Canberra will host its maiden Test match within four years, CA "wants improvements to those areas before it will entertain the prospect." Temporary scaffolding has been put in place to accommodate media in previous one-day internationals at the ground, and the governing body "would prefer a permanent facility be built." ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr confirmed some work "was still to be done to bring the ground up to CA wishes." Barr: "Cricket Australia have advised of the need for infrastructure upgrades at Manuka Oval, in order for the venue to host Test Cricket" (SMH, 4/7).