Published: Sep 18, 2015, 12:44 PM (IST)
Edited: Sep 19, 2015, 04:57 AM (IST)
New Zealand’s tour of Australia officially commences on October 23 when they take on an Australian Prime Minister’s XI led by Michael Hussey at Canberra’s Manuka Oval, immediately following which they will be engaged by Cricket Australia XI in a two-day game. The most recent addition to the itinerary is a four-day match at Blacktown again to be played against a Cricket Australia (CA) XI. The match will commence on October 29 and will end on November 1, just four days ahead of the first Test match the Gabba, Brisbane. ALSO READ: Day-Night Tests: A boon or a bane?
The match against the Prime Minister’s XI will help help New Zealand get accustomed to the pink ball which will make its debut in the first-ever day-night Test to be played at Adelaide on November 27 (third and final Test of the series). The match at Blacktown International Sports Park will be played with the traditional pink ball and will give New Zealand vital practice. ALSO READ: New Zealand announce Test squad for Australia tour
New Zealand will play another tour practice following the completion of the first two Tests. That game will be played against a Western Australian XI on November 21 and 22 with the pink ball under lights. This match will help New Zealand get further accustomed to the pink ball in an attempt to get them as competent as possible ahead of historic day-night Test fixture at Adelaide on November 27.
