waca ground, perth

Established: 1890
Capacity: 22,000
Floodlights: Yes
Ends: Members End, Prindiville Stand End
Home Team: Western Australia
Groundsman: Cameron Sutherland
Ashes History: 10 Tests; 6 Australia wins, 1 England win, 3 draws
Ashes 2006/7: Third Test, 14-18 Dec

Despite first being opened in 1890, the WACA (Western Australia Cricket Association) Ground has long existed on the periphery of Australia's cricket community.

Its position on the country's west coast meant it was an impractical location for Tests until the advent of scheduled flights, and as a result the WACA only hosted its first five-dayer in the 1970/1 Ashes series.

The WACA quickly earned a reputation for a fast and bouncy track that helped fast bowlers and strokemakers alike.

Almost 80 per cent of Test at the WACA have produced positive results and the average run rate is over three an over.

The WACA hasn't been a happy hunting ground for English tourists, with only one victory, back in1978/9, in 10 attempts.

The future of the WACA is uncertain. The loss of Aussie Rules Football to the purpose-built Subiaco Oval has caused severe financial trouble at the cricket ground.

With the WACA struggling to pay its way, the capacity and playing area have been reduced in recent years. A new grandstand has been opened, and the capacity can be increased to 24,500 by the use of temporary stands.

On the last Ashes tour, Australia sealed the series with a crusing innings victory inside three days at the WACA to take an unassailable 3-0 lead and retain the Ashes.