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"At this stage, it is only speculation and, of course, if the opportunity presents itself, we would love to host the series," Matthews said.

The WA government has taken a hard line approach to anyone quarantining from overseas, which even meant the Australian side abandoned Perth for Adelaide on the way back from their white-ball tour of England in September, while India eventually quarantined in Sydney. So stringent have WA's policies been in terms of protecting its border through the pandemic that there is no international cricket in the state this summer.

It would be expected the Proteas would have to quarantine for a fortnight and be unable to train during this period should Perth emerge as a serious option.

Optus Stadium boss Mike McKenna said there had yet to be any approach from CA but his stadium was ready to open should it be needed.

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He said his venue could only host Tests through February because any later encroaches on preparation for the AFL season but suggested the WACA could also be used if needed. Another option, said McKenna, who is also a former senior CA executive, was for Darwin to host a Test.

"South Africa, like everyone else, would want to get their media rights value out if it so if they are going to come over here, they would want to play as many as they can," McKenna said.

"It is possible you could play either at Optus, or the WACA, or both. They could also look at other venues ... they could up north, Darwin, somewhere like that. That's possible."

February falls in the Northern Territory's wet season but if the series was extended into March, it could be a possibility. NT Cricket, which did not wish to comment, begins its local cricket season in April.

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Cairns has also been seen by officials as another option although February does also fall in its wet season. However, locals say the possibility of heavy rain at that time of the year is no worse than it is in Brisbane.

"But we would certainly be interested if the possibility was there to talk to Cricket Australia," McKenna said.

The United Arab Emirates was mooted months ago as a possible venue should the series need to be shifted. Cricket South Africa, which has been a dysfunctional mess, is desperate to not cede broadcast money it desperately needs but it could face the added costs of paying for the hubs and protocols that would be required in Australia.

South Africa is experiencing more than 4000 new COVID-19 cases per day, leaving Australia's players concerned about a month-long tour there.