A decision to make tens of thousands of shaded seats for next week’s historic first Test at Optus Stadium unavailable for sale has been slammed as “inexcusable” by Cancer Council WA.

Cricket Australia (CA) said in conjunction with VenuesLive, the company which operates the taxpayer-funded $1.6 billion stadium, it had elected to close level five for all days of the Australia-India Test.

Level five, the stadium’s top tier, is covered by a fabric roof that was designed to protect spectators from the sun in summer and rain in winter. Moving international cricket to the Burswood venue followed criticism about the lack of shade at the WACA Ground.

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CA said the decision to keep the top tier shut was based on current and expected ticket sales, adding that there were “still plenty of seats available for sale on level one and three, which will enjoy shade for a majority of the day”.

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A search of the Ticketmaster website showed it was impossible to buy Bronze category seats in level five, which were priced at $40 for adults and $20 for children.

Located either side of the wicket, these seats would “provide shade coverage throughout the day”, the CA website states.

Instead, supporters can buy Reserved category seats that cost $30 for adults and $10 for children. Located in the east, these seats get shade in the morning “with the sun hitting in the afternoon”.

To get some shade in the afternoon, fans need to buy Silver seats in the west ($65 for adults and $33 for children), Premiership Terrace ($90 for adults and $45 for children) or Gold ($110 adults, children not permitted).

Cancer Council WA SunSmart manager Mark Strickland said it was “irresponsible” to deny cricket fans the use of well-shaded seats at a time of the year when they were most needed.

Mr Strickland said sitting in the December sun for a day increased the risk of skin cancer, dehydration and heat stress. He said the health of spectators should be prioritised over any commercial reasons to close level five.

“From our point of view, this is a simple question of public health,” he said. “Perth has some of the strongest UV radiation in the world.

“We also know that shade is very effective in reducing UV radiation. Spending the full day at the cricket will expose you to a large dose of UV, so it is vital that people are well protected.

“Obviously people need to provide their own sun protection in the form of broad-brimmed hats, long clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen, but denying the public the use of the well shaded seats — for which we have all paid — at a time of the year when they are most needed is irresponsible.”

Cancer Council WA expects UV levels of 13 or 14 during the Perth Test. UV levels of three or higher can cause DNA and skin damage in as little as 10 minutes if skin is not protected.

“To have good shade available at the venue and then not use it is really inexcusable,” Mr Strickland added.

Camera Icon The sun shines on the stadium during the ODI match between Australia and England in January. Credit: Cricket Australia/Getty Images

A search online showed tickets were available to sit in the top tiers of the Adelaide Oval, Melbourne Cricket Ground and Sydney Cricket Ground for the rest of the Test series.

A CA spokesman said the stadium was designed to provide areas of sun and shade and to be able to scale capacity up and down based on demand.

The configuration for the Test reflected the demand for tickets.

“There are still plenty of seats available for sale on level one and three which will enjoy shade for a majority of the day,” he said.

“We also offer free sunscreen to all fans attending the stadium and encourage them to be sun smart regularly through in-stadium messaging. Many of our fans prefer to sit in the sun and come prepared to do that.

“While we currently do not have Bronze seating available in some areas, at any point in time a seating category may no longer be available due to demand. Should there be a change in current sales trends we will review this decision.”

Sports Minister Mick Murray said the WA Government had no involvement in the decision.

TIPS TO BEAT THE HEAT

Plan ahead and don’t over rely on sunscreen. The best sun protection comes from long clothing and a hat with a broad brim.

Choose fabrics that breath and garments that fit loosely. Find a proper hat with a brim; water melon hats and baseball caps won’t protect your ears or the sides of your face.

Sun glasses are a must as is SPF 30 or higher sunscreen on any exposed areas of skin.

If your seat is not in the shade, look for places that you can regularly retreat to out of the direct sun. Drink water to stay hydrated. Alcohol will not help keep your fluid balance correct.

Source: Cancer Council WA