Australia-New Zealand to play historic day-night Test
Australia and New Zealand are all set to play first ever day-night Test match in the history of cricket this November. The ties between both the nations will resume after a gap of four years.
The experimental Test match will be played at the Adelaide Oval in Australia with a Kookaburra pink ball. This will be the first when a Test match will be played under flood lights.
Channel Nine, the broadcaster of the match, are already expecting high television ratings and advertising revenues. But for players, especially the Kiwis, there have been noises of worries about the new concept coming in play.
Heath Mills, who is the chief of New Zealand’s players association, said an agreement finally happened because Brendon McCullum’s team saw the benefits of resuming cricketing ties with their neighbors.
"It's fair to say our players are nervous about the day-night Test. It's uncharted territory and because of that there will be uncertainty and apprehension," Mills was quoted saying by ESPNcricinfo.
"However, whilst the players have reservations about the concept, they can see the bigger picture in the new agreement, and the greater good it brings to all levels of the game."
COACH DARREN LEHMANN IS EXCITED
Australia’s coach Darren Lehmann seems positive and said he is looking forward to everyone’s eyes on this game.
"I'm looking forward to it to see what it brings, looking forward to seeing how both teams perform under lights, looking forward to seeing a massive crowd, I think it's going to be exceptional to see everyone turning up for the first one ever in Test match cricket, I'm excited, and I know the players are excited and looking forward to the challenge.
"Recommendations to the ICC committee were to make sure we are pushing the boundaries if you like and trying to get day-night Test matches, evening Test matches, to try and get people coming to watch it in different parts of the world in different countries, and versus different countries.
Lehmann added saying it’s going to be a big step for cricket and every involved from junior staff to Cricket Australia (CA) are ready move ahead with it.
“We think it's a really important way to go and only time will tell if it's right or it's wrong, end of the day we've got to give it a crack and I think it's important for the game.
"It's very special for everyone involved, players, staff, everyone at CA, and New Zealand Cricket so it's going to be a really interesting time. Looking forward to what the challenges the ball brings for example and how it reacts on the pitch. I'm sure it's going to be okay."
As per the schedule, New Zealand will travel to Australia in the month of November to play three Tests matches.
1st Test: November 5-9, Brisbane
2nd Test: November 13-17, Perth
3rd Test: November 27-December 1, Adelaide