Four nations want to host pink-ball Tests

A decision on whether Adelaide will stage a follow-up day-night cricket Test isn't expected for at least another month.

Four Test nations are looking to play day-night cricket in the next year according to Cricket Australia boss James Sutherland.

Reporting back from International Cricket Council (ICC) meetings in Dubai on the weekend, Australia's cricket supremo believes the pink-ball format has won over world cricket.

"There is a very broad-ranging commitment to Day-Night Test cricket," he said on Tuesday.

"Three or four member countries are planning on hosting Test cricket under lights in the course of the next 12 months."

Sutherland revealed subcontinental giants India and Pakistan, as well as trans-Tasman rivals Australia and New Zealand were the countries looking to host pink-ball Tests.

Australia is still yet to lock in a follow-up to the Adelaide day-night Test against New Zealand last November, which received stunning television audiences and record attendances at Adelaide Oval.

Negotiations are ongoing between Australian and South African cricket officials, with A.B. De Villiers' side touring Australia this summer.

Sutherland said the sell-job to the South Africans would pick up pace in June.

"I continue to be optimistic about the Adelaide Test match being played as a day-night Test match," he said.

"It's a big opportunity. It will be a bigger crowd than the South African players have ever seen before.

"We probably won't see any firm decisions on that until after IPL is over and their players get back home.

"Things are heading in the right direction."

Australia has offered to provide the pink balls to South Africa well in advance of their visit, and to craft a schedule including plenty of suitable practice while on tour.

Irrespective of whether the Adelaide Test is played under lights, Sutherland reported an inexorable shift towards the new format beyond the four countries keen to play in the next cycle of the calendar.

"Other countries subject to ensuring their lights have the appropriate lux levels (are interested)," he said.

"To a person, full member countries and their CEOs stated their absolute support for Test cricket being played under lights."

The ICC board minutes, released on Monday, confirm that support.

"It was reiterated that administrators must embrace innovation and understand the demands and expectations of the spectators and fans, keeping alive and growing interest in the traditional format of the game," the statement reads.

Last week, Sutherland foreshadowed a blockbuster Ashes Test on Australian soil when England tour over the 2017/18 summer.


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Source: AAP



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Four nations want to host pink-ball Tests | SBS News