WACA Test dumped from summer cricket program Ricky Ponting is chaired from the ground after retiring from Test cricket after the Third Test Match at the WACA on December 3, 2012. The Perth Test has been dumped from the summer program for next year's India tour in a decision described as "devastating" by the Western Australian Cricket Association. India, which was thrashed in less than three days in Perth in January 2012, will play four Tests in Australia leading into the 2015 World Cup, which means one mainland Test venue plus Hobart had to miss out. The ongoing effect this loss will have on the WACA and cricket in Western Australia will be devastating and we are extremely disappointed by the decision. WACA chief executive Christina Matthews The WACA Ground will go without a Test in 2014-15 for the first time since 1976-77 despite offering a TV ratings bonanza because of its prime time audience in the eastern states. WACA chief executive Christina Matthews said the promised extra limited-overs games were inadequate compensation for losing the Test and claimed the decision was inconsistent with Cricket Australia's "fans first" strategy. "The ongoing effect this loss will have on the WACA and cricket in Western Australia will be devastating and we are extremely disappointed by the decision, not only for the association, but for our members and WA cricket supporters," she said. "One of Cricket Australia's key pillars is to 'put fans first' and a Test match at the WACA provides a viewer friendly time-zone for eastern seaboard audiences as well as Indian viewers," she said. Domestic TV ratings from the Perth match of the last series between these two nations was the equal highest in Australia at 1.12 million. The 2008 and 2012 Tests between Australia and India at the WACA were also extremely well attended, with the first three days of the 2012 Test sold out, so the WA cricket fans are the big losers here. The 'Gabba and Adelaide Oval, the other venues in danger of missing out, survived. Cricket Australia said Adelaide deserved a Test because of the $535 million dollar re-development that will increase its capacity to about 50,000. Australia has not lost a Test at the 'Gabba in 25 years, and Brisbane will be limited in its ability to host games at other times of the summer because of the G20 Summit and the Asian Cup. "Though a traditional Test match venue with a proud history, the WACA ground has the smallest capacity of the five mainland Test venues and has historically attracted lower attendances," CA chief executive James Sutherland said. The WACA has been working hard to improve the facilities for its fans but it still requires significant improvements. It is still a big summer and there is plenty of cricket to go around but in regard to only having four Tests, this is a one-off situation that we don't see happening in the foreseeable future.