Cricket Australia, in association with the Western Australian Cricket Association (WACA), is leaving no stone unturned in ensuring the success of the West Test between India and Australia at Optus Stadium, which will mark the start of the five-match series on November 22. The game is already generating significant buzz in the local media.
In a bid to build the excitement ahead of the West Test, Perth’s public spaces are being transformed. The Perth train station is adorned with striking images of the two rival captains, Rohit Sharma and Pat Cummins, fuelling anticipation for the high-stakes contest. Cricket Australia, along with WACA, will host a three-day festival outside Optus Stadium, offering fans a wide range of entertainment. The festival will feature live music, performances, street food from local Indian vendors, cricket-skill tests, and unique art installations that create a lively atmosphere for spectators and visitors alike.
In an effort to engage the local and Indian communities, the WACA is also planning an Indian fan zone within the stadium during the Test, where fans can come together to cheer on their team in a vibrant setting.
The festival is part of the Western Australian government’s broader strategy to boost tourism, with a focus on increasing out-of-state visitors and enhancing the state’s economy through major events. In 2023-24, large-scale events like these contributed $286 million to the Western Australian economy. This initiative not only aims to energise the local community but also to ensure the Test match has a lasting positive effect on Perth’s cultural and economic landscape, drawing visitors from across the globe to witness one of cricket’s biggest rivalries.