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AAP
AAP
Justin Chadwick

Optus Stadium to feature a hill during the 'West Test'

WA officials are moving to fans back after small crowds for last summer's Test against West Indies. (Richard Wainwright/AAP PHOTOS)

Test matches in Perth will now be known as the 'West Test' and Optus Stadium will feature a hill-like space as Cricket Australia attempts to win back the hearts of WA cricket fans.

Across five days, a total of just 42,517 fans attended the Optus Stadium Test between Australia and the West Indies last December - the first Test in Perth since the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

The crowds marked a significant drop from when Perth hosted Tests against New Zealand in 2019 and India in 2018.

In those Tests, 20,746 fans attended day one alone against India, and 19,084 flocked to see the opening day against the Black Caps.

WA Cricket has been looking at ways to ensure the Perth Test becomes an iconic part of the Australian cricket calendar - much like the Boxing Day Test at the MCG, the Pink Test at the SCG, and the pink-ball Test at Adelaide Oval.

Cricket Australia are also keen to ensure WA remains a strong supporter base for cricket.

Apart from being rebranded as the 'West Test', a new in-stadium experience known as 'The West Test Hill' will also be unveiled for this summer's clash between Australia and Pakistan in Perth, starting on December 14.

To be built across four bays at Optus Stadium, 'The West Test Hill' will feature three tiers and will house up to 500 patrons at a time.

A portion of seats at the 60,000-capacity stadium will be taken out to accommodate the 'hill'.

The temporary area will mimic to some degree the famous grass banks that were a feature at the WACA Ground, which is currently being redeveloped. 

Additionally, the women's Test match between Australia and South Africa will also carry the 'West Test' name.

"The West Test will give Western Australians something to be proud of – women's and men's Test matches that feel uniquely ours and showcase our brilliant stadia to the world," WA Cricket chief executive Christina Matthews said in a statement.

"The first step in the transformation of our men's Test is The Hill, providing WA cricket fans with a new way to experience Australia's clash with Pakistan at our world class Perth Stadium. 

"We look forward to working with CA and all partners in the game to continue developing The West Test event as we move towards series against India and England in coming years." 

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