WACA drop Shield final venue protest

Western Australia has decided against a legal challenge to the decision to hold the Bupa Sheffield Shield final in Hobart.

Blundstone Arena was nominated by Victoria as their preferred ground to host the final after the Commonwealth Bank Bushrangers finished top of the ladder following their 400-run win against Tasmania in the final round.

With the MCG tied up with the World Cup, an alternative venue had to be found and, with no other first-class venues currently available in Victoria, the move across Bass Strait was approved by Cricket Australia.

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That decision wasn’t seen favourably in the West, with the Western Australian Cricket Association entertaining the prospect of a Federal Court injunction, believing it was contrary to CA's Playing Conditions for the Shield.

However, WACA CEO Christina Matthews today said the Alcohol.Think Again Western Warriors wouldn’t pursue that option and instead focus their energies on preparing for the final, which begins Saturday.

"The Western Australian Cricket Association is extremely proud of the team for its achievements, as I'm sure the whole WA cricket family is, and it is the view of the WACA that all our energy must be focused on supporting the Warriors in their preparation for the match and therefore we will not be pursuing the matter of the location of the final any further," said Matthews.

"We are disappointed that we are not able to reward our members and supporters with an opportunity to see at the WACA Ground one of three finals this group has qualified for this season.

"However, those issues are second to the importance of giving our team surety and allowing the players the best environment in which to prepare for the biggest game of their season.

"We now consider this matter closed and look forward to the Warriors attempting to recreate the feats they achieved interstate at the Matador One-Day Cup and that the Perth Scorchers achieved at Canberra's Manuka Oval."

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CA's playing conditions for the Shield state: "The team that finished first on the points table at the conclusion of the preliminary matches shall earn the right to host the final at a suitable first class venue within its state, provided that this venue is acceptable to Cricket Australia. Should the team waive this right, the choice shall be offered to the team that finished second. Otherwise the decision shall be made by Cricket Australia."

CA's hand was forced for the BBL final due the ICC's requirements regarding World Cup venues ahead of the tournament starting, while the MCG will host the World Cup final on March 29.

"We have our view on what the rules say, and we think it's very clear," said Matthews.

"But we're also cognisant that there are extenuating circumstances for Victoria, being the World Cup has taken their prime home ground out of play."

WA are expected to travel to Melbourne on Wednesday, before flying to Hobart on Thursday morning.

Coach Justin Langer is confident his road warriors can overcome the travel required for all Shield finalists that finish second on the ladder and win the Shield title on enemy territory.

"I hold no fears in that because we won the One-Day Cup in Sydney; we played the BBL final (and won in Canberra)," Langer said.

"They were all controversial, but we got on with our job and got there and won those titles.

"If I am going to say any anything controversial, it's that if the playing conditions (rule book) aren't suitable, then we have to change them. It's as simple as that."

Victoria, as the ladder leaders, only need a draw to win the Shield title, while WA require outright victory.

Even with star pacemen Jason Behrendorff and Michael Hogan ruled out of the decider, Langer is optimistic of his team's chances.

Paceman Simon Mackin is expected to return from a rib injury for the final.

"I think Bellerive gives us more of a chance than perhaps Junction Oval, where it is a very flat wicket," Langer said.

"We've shown all year that we can bowl sides out twice.

"We've had to win outright in the east a number of times and we have."