Ashes: Dominic Baker, Peter Gutwein back Tasmania for Hobart Test

The fifth Ashes Test is scheduled to be played at Optus Stadium but the state's strict border policy, specifically its quarantine requirements, have led to speculation the match could shift states.

The scenario has meant that Tasmania has emerged as a 'viable alternative' to host the final Test of the iconic series.

Cricket Tasmania chief executive Dominic Baker reiterated that the state was ready, willing and able to host the fixture if called upon by Cricket Australia.

"I think reality is the preference and the schedule says the Test will be in Western Australia and Cricket Australia will do anything they can to get that game played in Western Australia," he said.

"What we're working on is being that viable alternative to Western Australia if that game is unable to be played there, that's meant we've done a bit of work on the economics and we know that time of year is a fantastic time to be playing in Tassie.

"We're a really live alternative if the game can't go ahead in Perth and I think really that's just going to come down to the Western Australian government."

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WA Cricket chief executive Christina Matthews had suggested the quarantine arrangements could be moved from two weeks to between four and seven days to accommodate the tight turnaround between the fourth Test in Sydney and the fifth Test slated for WA.

The match would be played at Hobart's Bellerive Oval which was set to host a landmark first-ever Test match between Australia and Afghanistan before the CA decided to cancel the match earlier this month.

Unless the Ashes Test shifts to Hobart, it will mean the state has been without Test match cricket since 2016 when South Africa beat Australia.

Speaking on SEN, Baker confirmed that the state government and Cricket Tasmania were working closely to bring a historic Ashes Test to the Apple Isle.

"I think we've got a viable alternative to put in front of Cricket Australia and I like to think if it didn't got to Western Australia, it'll come to Tasmania," he said.

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The Premier previously revealed that he wrote to Cricket Australia to voice his support the state's fifth Test bid.

"I think we're in a good spot in terms of being able to make our case for the fifth Ashes Test and whilst WA have come to the table late ... I think the players don't want it, I am sure it's not in the best interests of the fans and we'll continue to argue our case moving forward," Gutwein said on SEN.

Gutwein confirmed he would meet with Cricket Australia chief executive Nick Hockley when the latter returned from the T20 World Cup in Dubai to continue talks.

The fifth Test is scheduled to begin on January 14.

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