Published: Apr 21, 2016, 04:30 PM (IST)
Edited: Apr 21, 2016, 04:30 PM (IST)
With the query of South Africa in acceptance of day-night test remains a question, Cricket Australia (CA) Chief Executive Officer James Sutherland is expecting more nations to host day-night Tests in the coming year with 2017-18 Ashes on the cards. Sutherland also mentioned day-night Ashes in 2017-18 is a distinct possibility could be played during the next battle for the urn. CA recently, announced their power packed summer schedule that includes day-night series against Pakistan in Brisbane and yet another pink-ball test against South Africa in Adelaide is proposed. With Australia’s next five-Test series to be played against England in the coming summer, Adelaide Oval and Gabba will be first to be taught off for day-night Ashes. READ: Cricket Australia announce 2016-17 summer fixtures
While speaking to cricket.com.au and said, “I think it’s a distinct possibility. I think over the course of the next 12 months or so we’ll see day-night Test cricket being played in other countries other than Australia. I’m really confident that other member boards are very keen to do that. As we’ve talked about, there’s going be more (day-night) Test cricket played into future and it will be a part of regular series. And it may well be that there is a day-night Test match in the Ashes series in 2017-18.” Sutherland in January rubbished the rumors of no formal discussions taking place with Wales Cricket Board and CA, UK newspaper The Telegraph reported that ECB are set to organise a series of day-night county matches in 2017 in order to give the players exposure to pink ball. READ: Cricket Australia to review into unsuccessful T20 World Cup 2016 campaign
One of the reasons why South Africa are against pink-ball Test is due to the lack exposure towards the it. But CA are hopeful, Proteas will finally agree to play the fixture. Sutherland further added, “We’re still optimistic that the big picture will prevail. The big picture is about making the game of Test cricket more accessible to fans and those sitting at home, to be able watch into the evening after school or work. We know the success of the Adelaide Test match last year is a proof of concept, if you like. That’s one of the reasons we’re so enthusiastically in favour of having a couple day-night Test matches this summer.”
The CA summer schedule includes 41 days of international matches with Australia swinging with the formats of the cricket, playing first against South Africa in three days, followed by Chappell-Hadlee One-Day series against New Zealand. This will be followed by three-Test series against Pakistan ahead of five ODIs. Sutherland also feels the switching of formats could impact the players to which he said, “I think it’s something that in this current day and age players are used to doing. They’re used to playing in different countries, chopping and changing from one format to another. Different colours ball is another thing that comes into it. But it’s all part of being an international cricketer in this day and age.”
