Early finish at the Gabba adds to CA’s financial woes
Cricket Australia’s financial headaches have deepened following yet another shortened Test match in the ongoing Ashes series. Just days after the first Test in Perth ended in under two days, the second Test at the Gabba wrapped up on Day 4, leaving a trail of economic repercussions in its wake — despite Australia securing another dominant win.
CA CEO Todd Greenberg, speaking during SEN’s live coverage of the second Test, acknowledged the strain on the board’s revenue, pointing out the implications of early finishes in marquee matches like the Ashes.
“It did hurt. I’m not going to shy away from the fact that it hurt. Of course, you work in professional sport, you want to win,” Greenberg said.
“But we had to give back not hundreds of thousands, but we are talking millions and millions back,” he added, reflecting on the heavy ticketing revenue lost as a result of matches concluding well before their scheduled fifth day.
Greenberg was referring primarily to the opener in Perth, where the match ended in two days — the shortest Ashes Test by deliveries bowled since 1888. The early finish meant CA forfeited ticket revenue from the remaining three days, contributing to a financial loss reportedly exceeding US$ 3 million.
Adding perspective to the rare nature of such an occurrence, Greenberg said, “So, look, I’m buoyed by the fact that it was the first time in 104 years that it happened. And I’m hoping that it might happen in another 104 years and some other poor bugger has got to do it in 100 years again.”
The concern comes on the heels of a tough financial year for Cricket Australia, which reported a loss of A$ 11.3 million (approx. US$ 7.5 million) at its recent Annual General Meeting — a figure that drew criticism from stakeholders, including Cricket Victoria.
Australia dominate again as England slide further
While financial concerns loom large, Australia’s cricketing performance has been anything but troubled. In the second Test at the Gabba, the home side secured another emphatic victory, defeating England by eight wickets to go 2-0 up in the five-match series.
England posted a competitive 334 in the first innings, built around Joe Root’s 138, only to see Mitchell Starc dismantle them with 6-75. Australia responded with a commanding 511, including contributions from Starc (77) and a strong middle-order effort. The visitors managed 241 in their second innings, with Ben Stokes grinding out a watchful 50, but they collapsed again, losing their final four wickets for just 17 runs.
Michael Neser’s 5-42 — his maiden five-wicket haul in Tests — helped set up a modest chase of 65, which Australia completed inside 10 overs despite a couple of early breakthroughs.
With two heavy defeats inside six days of cricket, England now face a daunting task. No side has ever come back from 2-0 down to win an Ashes series against Australia, and the momentum appears firmly in the home side’s grasp.
As the series heads to the third Test, Cricket Australia will hope not only for continued on-field success but also for longer matches — and fewer financial returns.
