Cricket NSW chief executive Lee Germon defended Sydney's right to keep the plum New Year's Test slot.

“The pink Test in Sydney in the first week of the new year is as much a part of Australian cricket, and indeed Australian culture, as the Boxing Day Test is for Melbourne,” Germon said. “Some of the greatest moments in Test history have been played at the Sydney Cricket Ground in that first week of January, and we see absolutely no reason to break with tradition and custom.

“The Sydney Test has become synonymous with the McGrath Foundation through the highly successful ‘pink Test’ initiative. It also drives significant benefits to tourism in Sydney and the state of NSW. Scheduling discussions around a summer are always ongoing between stakeholders, but Cricket Australia have not given any indication to Cricket NSW that they are considering a move from tradition.

“Ultimately, we want what is best for Australian cricket and the fans of our sport, but we strongly believe that is not served by moving a long-standing and successful piece of the calendar.”

Malinauskas confirmed the report on Friday morning, saying he didn’t want South Australia to be “forgotten” or “taken for granted”.

“There have been rumours floating around that Adelaide, yet again, will have a Test match hosting West Indies in the summer coming up after this one, which will be two years in a row,” Malinauskas told ABC Radio Adelaide.

“I think if those rumours have any substance, it’s pretty outrageous.

“We’re happy to support any proposition that stacks up and derives a better outcome for the state’s economy.

“Obviously our major events policies [are] already yielding dividends in that regard.”

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The Sydney Test has also been synonymous with wet weather recently, prompting calls for the first match of the calendar year to be moved.

Venues NSW declined to comment on Friday.

Venues NSW chairman Tony Shepherd was emphatic during last month’s SCG Test that the match would stay in Sydney.

“There is absolutely no way the New Year’s match is being moved from the SCG,” Shepherd said. “It’s a long tradition, it’s a fantastic tradition. Half of the Australian team comes from NSW, including the skipper.”

SACA president Will Rayner told The Age and the Herald on Thursday evening: “We believe SACA’s got a compelling case in front of Cricket Australia that shows that our premium product deserves premium scheduling. We really look forward to working with them to ensure that continues for our members.”

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