Australia switch Perth, Adelaide Ashes Tests

The second and third Ashes Tests in Perth and Adelaide have been swapped after a request from the Australian television rights-holders, the Australian Cricket Board (ACB) announced on Thursday.

England were due to start their 2002-03 five-Test series against Australia with the first Test in Brisbane from November 7-11, followed by Tests in Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney.

"The second Test, originally scheduled to take place in Perth, will now take place at the Adelaide Oval (November 21-25), while the third Test, which was to be held in Adelaide, will now be staged in Perth (November 29-December 3)," the ACB said in a statement.

"The Nine (television) Network made a formal submission to the Board to change the fixture, and after consulting with all relevant stakeholders, including...the England and Wales Cricket Board, we have met the request," ACB chief executive James Sutherland said.

Sri Lanka will contest a triangular limited overs series with England and the host country in January before all three teams head to South Africa for the World Cup.

Australia, ranked number one in the world in Test cricket, have won the past seven Ashes series against England.

Mail Cricket Editor