Test great Justin Langer is disappointed a match that shapes as arguably Australia's most important selection trial for the Ashes will be held at Hurstville Oval.
The highlight of round two of the Sheffield Shield will be a clash between NSW and Western Australia that starts in a fortnight.
A handful of WA contenders for the No.6 Test spot will be pitted against the Test attack of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon.
But instead of playing at the SCG - the preference of WA coach Langer plus everybody involved at Cricket NSW - it will be contested on a tiny oval in southern Sydney.
The SCG is unavailable because it is being returfed.
"It's very disappointing for us," Langer said.
"Not only is it some very good players (involved) but it's also leading up to the Ashes.
"Hurtsville Oval probably couldn't be further from the (conditions the Test side will encounter at the) WACA or the Gabba, even Adelaide Oval under lights.
"From our point of view and from Australian cricket's point of view, it's a shame."
WA's Shaun Marsh, Hilton Cartwright and Mitch Marsh plus NSW trio Nic Maddinson, Kurtis Patterson and Moises Henriques will be keen to impress national selectors during the next four weeks.
Selectors will study three Shield rounds before settling on the Test squad, with the race for the No.6 spot wide open.
"I can't wait to see who stands up ... it's going to take the player who has the balls of steel," Langer said.
WA pacemen Jason Behrendorff and Nathan Coulter-Nile are also in the mix to make Test debuts this summer should anything happen to Starc, Hazlewood or Cummins.
There are likely to be nine stars with Test experience in NSW's XI for the opening few rounds, headed by national captain Steve Smith.
Peter Nevill, who is on the cusp of a Test recall, is among the many NSW players wishing their pivotal match against WA was at the SCG.
"Any opportunity we have to play on the SCG I jump at," Nevill said.
"I love playing there but it's unavailable."
Langer noted Sydney's iconic venue has been hard to access during recent first-class seasons.
"We've played one Shield game at the SCG in five years," Langer said.
"That's bizarre. I find that really strange and disappointing.
"There's obviously reasons for it but you don't want to take the polish off our domestic competition that has been the envy of the world for a long time.
"I can't ever remember playing a Shield game away from the main venues."
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