Former Cricket ACT chief executive Mark Vergano says Canberra's case to host Test matches will "speak for itself" as the push for the national capital to tick off its final box in the cricket wish list gains momentum.
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Canberra has been talked about as a possible Test venue following strong attendances at recent international games at Manuka Oval and speculation of low crowds at the first Test in Hobart between Australia and the West Indies.
A crowd of 5927 turned up for the opening day at Blundstone Arena, which was above Cricket Australia's expectations.
Vergano said there were inherent challenges in dealing with the Cricket Australia board and making sure not to step on any toes.
"At times it represented its own frustrations, but you have to be aware there is more than just you in the game," Vergano said.
"You always tried to take a really pragmatic view of the world and the way we went about our business.
"The fact Canberra is being spoken about in other areas shows that policy is working. Sometimes it's a long and slow burn, but your case will speak for itself."
Fairfax Media understands officials would expect a crowd of 35,000 for a Test in Canberra, including a sellout on the first day.
Vergano took on the top job with Cricket ACT in 2002 before stepping down earlier this year for a new challenge.
He was at the helm in 2013 when the ACT government secured the first visit by the Australian cricket team to Canberra for a one-day international.
Vergano also oversaw the construction of the lights at Manuka Oval, the inclusion of the ACT Meteors in the Women's National Cricket League and the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Cricket ACT, Cricket NSW and Country NSW.
Since then, Manuka Oval has attracted a total crowd of more than 86,000 people for nine games, including three World Cup fixtures, two ODIs involving Australia and the soldout Big Bash League final to demonstrate the capital's appetite for the game.
Cricket ACT first raised the prospect of bringing the Australian team to Canberra in 2006 when they held discussions with then prime minister John Howard.
It wasn't until seven years later that dream came to fruition when the ACT government struck a deal with Cricket Australia to secure an ODI as part of the city's centenary celebrations.
The redevelopment of Manuka Oval, including the construction of lights at the end of 2012 with federal government funding, made it possible.
"Cricket Australia has been up front and the ACT government has been up front," Vergano said.
"If that's the way sport as we know is moving, you either move with the time or you get left behind.
Every state or territory government has an events team to create events or to bring events in that led to their respective economies.
"That's just living in the real economic world."
Vergano said it was never Cricket ACT's intention to take international games off other cities, such as Hobart.
Rather it was putting itself into a position to be ready when extra fixtures were available, such as a seventh Test match in the summer.
"I don't think it hurts for Canberra to be aspirational," Vergano said.
"We were in my time and we should continue to do so, because we do service a big area.
"All the work that has been done has been for the good of the game and providing opportunity for young people."
