The Indian cricket team return to Australian shores next summer for a four-match Test series, but speculation remains over where the fixtures will be played.

Adelaide Oval, the MCG and SCG are locks, each a stalwart in the Australian cricket calendar, the final Test remains an arm-wrestle between the Gabba and Perth Stadium.

Both grounds have recorded disappointing crowd numbers over the past couple of seasons. An aggregate of 45,991 attended this season’s Test against Pakistan at the Gabba, while the 60,000-capacity Perth Stadium has never achieved a crowd greater than 21,000.

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Perth hosted India last season, the newly-developed stadium granted its maiden Test. Although, the $1.4 billion state-of-the-art facility struggled to muster the crowds Adelaide Oval achieved after their redevelopment six years ago.

Only 45,991 cricket fans attended this summer’s Test at the Gabba. Source: Getty Images

According to The Australian chief cricket writer Peter Lalor, a “bitter” feud is developing between the two cities, both eager to host a Test featuring the world’s number one cricket team.

“There’s great competition between Brisbane and Perth as to who gets an India Test,” Lalor told SEN.

“This is going to get bitter, particularly if Perth misses out.

“Perth are arguing they have a brand spanking new $1.4 billion stadium, whereas the Gabba is the least of the stadiums on the mainland and needs a lot of money injected into it.

“They’ll have the state government on their side and all that business. I know they’ve put in a proposal to Cricket Australia about why they should have the Test.

“I know that Cricket Australia wrote to CEOs on Monday or Tuesday saying no decision has been made, but I reckon it will probably play out the way we think which is that they’ll play in Brisbane.”

Australia have not lost a Test at the Gabba since 1988, undefeated in their last 31 matches.

India were heavily criticised in 2018 for pushing against Test cricket at the Gabba — they have never defeated Australia in the Queensland capital. However, the BCCI recently confirmed they are open to playing in Brisbane for the 2020/21 series.

Australia have not lost a Test at the Gabba in almost 32 years. Source: News Corp Australia

The Gabba has traditionally hosted the opening Test of the Australian summer, something which Lalor believes will work in Brisbane’s favour.

“It is an established part of the calendar … The first Test of the summer is in Brisbane, it’s a banker. People like that routine,” Lalor said.

“Australia does not lose there so you kick it off with a win.”

Lalor also revealed Cricket Australia are eager for future Test tours against India to be five match, similar to the Ashes.

“It’s not done yet, there’s nothing official there yet. I was hearing hints that they might have argued to try and get India to play five Tests here,” he said.

“I’m not 100 per cent certain of that, but in future they want to play five-Test series’ against India.

“I think that’s really exciting.”

Afghanistan will also play one Test in Australia next summer, which will most likely take place at the WACA.