Cricket Australia chief executive Kevin Roberts has defended the governing body’s decision to snub Perth for the opening test of Australia’s series against India arguing Western Australia has seen it’s fair share of test cricket in recent years.

The WACA became aware on Thursday that the Gabba was chosen in favour of Perth Stadium for the upcoming summer’s test schedule.

WACA officials described the news as a “kick in the guts” for Perth cricket fans but Roberts maintains that the choice was based of fairness between states.

"If Perth received the India Test (this year) it would mean that Perth would have hosted two England Tests and two India Tests over the eight-year cycle for a total of four ... whereas Brisbane would have only hosted two," Roberts said.

"So that would have created an imbalance over the cycle of the Future Tours Programme.

"And in the national interest and ensuring we take high-profile Test matches to cricket fans in Queensland, it was a more well-balanced solution. Assuming, of course, that we could get full crowds in play, that’s when this schedule was determined.

"The more balanced solution was to play the India Test in Brisbane, meaning over the eight-year cycle it would see Perth hosting three Tests against India and England and Brisbane also hosting three Tests against India and England."

WACA chief executive Christina Matthews argued that the state’s switch to Perth Stadium should have ensured a major test every summer.

Perth will host a stand-alone match between Australia and Afghanistan but the WA boss, on Thursday, couldn’t help but point out the irony of the situation.

"The last time (in 2014), we were told it was because our venue wasn't good enough and if we supported a new stadium, this would never happen again," Matthews said. "And here we are again.”