SYDNEY, Dec 8: Australia’s cricket authorities are seriously considering adding a sixth Test to the 2009 Ashes series.

Cricket Australia originally planned to add an extra Test to the 2010-11 campaign, but it has since been revealed that the change could take place as soon as 2009.

England and Australia last competed in a six-Test series in 1997 and that tour lasted four months. The crowded international schedule forced officials to reduce the Ashes to five Tests in 2001, ‘05 and earlier this year.

Cricket Australia public affairs manager Peter Young confirmed they are in discussion with the England and Wales Cricket Board about the issue. “The discussion is still alive at all levels from chairman to chairman, from chief executive to chief executive,” Young told the Herald Sun.

“Our preference in an ideal world is to play six Tests in an Australian summer, but we are aware of the problems England has in the structure of its summer. It’s still some time off before we are due to go there.”

The Bellerive Oval in Hobart is likely to host one of the Ashes Tests should the series be lengthened.

“It would be something very special for Hobart to be involved in the Ashes series and we would be thrilled if that could be arranged between Cricket Australia and the ECB,” Tasmanian Cricket Association chief executive David Johnston told The Mercury.

“The status of Bellerive Oval as a Test playing ground is very high and if we are able to gain an Ashes Test, we would handle the arrangement very well. It would show we have finally come of age in the international cricket world.”—Agencies