Canberra Liberals call for Manuka Oval to host India Test series

Cricket Australia is considering "all options" for the 2020-21 Test series, including extending it from four matches to five to help compensate losses made during the coronavirus shutdown.

Opposition Leader Alistair Coe and Liberals sports spokesman James Milligan sent a letter to Cricket Australia boss Kevin Roberts earlier this week, urging the sporting body to consider Manuka Oval as the potential fifth Test venue.

The series remains under a serious cloud due to uncertainty of when travel restrictions will be lifted, but Cricket Australia responded they appreciate the ministers' suggestion.

"We thought it was a good opportunity to spruik Canberra's credentials as a cricket loving city," Mr Coe said.

"Given the summer we've had with bushfires and now the pandemic, I think sport and all cultural activities will play an important role in providing hope and confidence to the community.

"A Test match between Australia and India in Canberra would be a real shot in the arm for the city."

Manuka Oval hosted Canberra's maiden Test match at the start of last year, as well as three women's Twenty20 World Cup fixures in February.

Mr Coe hopes to build on these credientials and cement Canberra's place as a semi-regular Test match venue.

ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr ruled his government out of taking part in any sport bidding wars on Thursday, largely due to the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

While Mr Coe agreed the ACT government should avoid entering bidding wars, he said they still need to capitalise on opportunities to host elite sport in Canberra.

"I don't think we should necessarily be getting into bidding wars but we still should be putting Canberra forward as a world class venue for sport," Mr Coe said.

"Like all things, they do come at a cost but sometimes that cost can be too much and therefore isn't worth it.

"As long as we have a good understanding of the value proposition, then we'll be well placed in any negotiation."

MORE CANBERRA SPORT

Canberra is not a hosting city for the men's T20 World Cup, leaving the Test series a desirable option to bring international content to the capital next summer.

Cricket ACT hopes Manuka Oval plays a major role in the 2020-21 season, but what that roles looks like remains unclear amid coronavirus mayhem.

While hosting a Test match would come at a cost, Coe says it would be worth the investment and bolster Canberra's image as a cricket-loving city.

"There will be a cost that is reasonable and it would be incumbent upon the territory to negotiate a deal that suits us," Mr Coe said.

"Regardless, the principle of having a Test match of that calibre in Canberra would be great for the city."