WEST TEST: Cricketing, tourism bosses predict ‘sea of blue’ as Indian fans flock to Perth

Bollywood, billionaires and a sea of blue — Indian fans are descending on Perth ahead of what is set to be a “box office” series against Australia, starting in Perth on Friday. With crowd numbers expected to smash Test records at Optus Stadium, the atmosphere is set to heat up as the local Indian diaspora flock to see heroes Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in what could be their final tour Down Under. With thousands coming from as far as the United States for the Test and outdoor entertainment around the stadium precinct over the weekend, tourism and cricketing bosses are calling on Aussie fans to back their club amid a wave on Indian supporters. At a welcome breakfast hosted by Tourism WA on Wednesday, it was revealed Indian tech billionaire Narayana Murthy had flown to Perth to see the Test. Mr Murthy, the father-in-law of former British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and worth more than $5 billion, was recognised at the event as “one of the greatest Indians in the software industry”, after founding InfoSys in the 1980s. He was one of thousands of visitors flying into Western Australia this week, with Cricket Australia chief executive Nick Hockley saying ticket sales were strong. “The first Test match at Perth Stadium was Australia versus India six years ago, and I think we had a shade over 80,000 to that Test,” Mr Hockley said “I can categorically say we’re going to smash that out of the park. “What’s really exciting is that we’re seeing so many people coming from out of town or overseas . . . there are people coming, obviously, from India, but from all over the world — the US, UK.” India’s love of cricket has drawn thousands like the Vora family, who had flown from Mumbai to Australia for the first time for the Test. “The culture here is very different to back home — lots of open spaces, good parks and a lovely zoo, Perth is obviously a very beautiful city,” father Sheel Vora said. “As a kid in India, cricket was part of our lives. Out of a million kids, maybe 10 go through in the selection — so obviously, everyone doesn’t make it to that, but everyone does give it a shot. “One of the main reasons also to make it this time to Australia was probably because it would most likely be Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s last tour as a Test match. I don’t want to miss the chance to watch two of the greatest players of our country.” Dr Vora predicted the Test would be a “cliffhanger”. “We have everything to play for, because this is our only chance to qualify for the World Test championship, so that puts a lot of pressure on us,” he said. “If we pull off this victory, it would be one of the greatest tours.” Tourism Minister Rita Saffioti said the influx of tourists would pour millions into the State’s economy. “We’re hoping to beat the record of 80,000 over those five days — if it goes five days, but we want to make sure that everyone comes out and backs a team,” she said. “The Indian community will turn out, and I think you’ll see a lot of very excited spectators. “We want those supporting Australia to come out too to make sure it doesn’t feel like a home ground for the Indian cricket team.” Bowler Josh Hazelwood said he enjoyed starting the series in Perth because the conditions suited the Australian attack. “That first Test of the summer is always really exciting, with the build-in,” he said. “We are here a few days out, we get together, haven’t seen each other in a while, so it’s always great to get the Test group back together and everyone’s pumped. “The conditions suit us, we are probably more used to it with that bounce and pace. India have obviously been here for a while and played some intra-squad games at the WACA and different things. They will be ready, no doubt. “I love playing here in Perth. The wicket is always a nice one to bowl pace on, it’s bouncy, a few cracks later in the game potentially.” Hazlewood believes India’s extended stay in Perth, which has included a top-secret training camp at the WACA Ground, would have set them up well to handle the unique conditions. Speaking at a Q&A at the welcome breakfast, former Australian fast-bowling hero Mitchell Johnson said he expected the crowds would be strong given the opportune timing of the Test’s first three days. “It’s going to be tough because I think there’s going to be a lot of Indian fans here,” he said. “There’s going to be a sea of blue here, and it’s great for the game — the entertainment that’s going to be around the game is going to be exciting from WA but, yeah, we want to see as much support here as possible. The man dubbed the “voice of cricket”, commentator Harsha Bhogle, said the anticipation for the first ball to be unleashed was unique. “The build-up to the series has been unbelievable . . . and is unlike anything I’ve seen before,” he said. “I only came in a couple of days ago, but I’ve been reading Australian newspapers and websites, while I have been there, and it’s incredible. They’re talking it up so much.” Joking about his home nation’s famed film industry “Bollywood”, Bhogle said India’s cricket team would prove to be a box office hit in Perth. At the ground, fans will be treated to a new wave of Indian foods, with Optus Stadium preparing 1.6 tonnes of butter chicken for meals, with a dedicated outlet — The Curry Pot — focused on celebrating Indian flavours. “The Australian and Indian cricket teams have one of the game’s greatest rivalries and a huge deal of anticipation and hype is already sweeping Perth,” Stadium chief executive Mike McKenna said. The West Test opens a big summer of cricket action at Optus Stadium, with five men’s Perth Scorchers BBL matches scheduled over the season, starting with the opener on December 15 against the Melbourne Stars.