Xuhaib
International Coach
AUSTRALIA will almost certainly host cricket's first day-night Test match next summer.
Already being hailed as one of cricket's biggest steps in 30 years, Australia and Pakistan will become the first teams to clash in a Test match under lights.
Cricket Australia has chosen the Adelaide Oval match next November and will seek International Cricket Council approval.
While CA is publicly reserved about releasing the target date, privately it has commissioned the CSIRO to step up work on developing a suitable ball for the day-night Tests.
The Test is proposed to start at about 2pm, following the timeslot of regular one-day internationals played under lights.
National broadcaster Channel 9 has also thrown its support behind the concept, which will be staged in one of the last weeks of the 2009 television ratings year.
Should Test cricket be played under lights? Leave a comment and have your say.
CA chief executive James Sutherland said yesterday that night Tests were inevitable.
"Test cricket is our premium form of the game, so why wouldn't you play it at a time when most people can watch it?" he said.
"There's no doubt it will happen - people can go after work and it's a cooler time of the day for spectators and fans.
"Look at the Olympics, the NRL and the AFL and how much of it is played at night these days because it's a more convenient time for viewers and fans."
Finding a suitable ball is the last sticking point, but CA is committed to supplying the solution by November.
http://www.news.com.au/perthnow/story/0,21598,24847844-5005401,00.html
Already being hailed as one of cricket's biggest steps in 30 years, Australia and Pakistan will become the first teams to clash in a Test match under lights.
Cricket Australia has chosen the Adelaide Oval match next November and will seek International Cricket Council approval.
While CA is publicly reserved about releasing the target date, privately it has commissioned the CSIRO to step up work on developing a suitable ball for the day-night Tests.
The Test is proposed to start at about 2pm, following the timeslot of regular one-day internationals played under lights.
National broadcaster Channel 9 has also thrown its support behind the concept, which will be staged in one of the last weeks of the 2009 television ratings year.
Should Test cricket be played under lights? Leave a comment and have your say.
CA chief executive James Sutherland said yesterday that night Tests were inevitable.
"Test cricket is our premium form of the game, so why wouldn't you play it at a time when most people can watch it?" he said.
"There's no doubt it will happen - people can go after work and it's a cooler time of the day for spectators and fans.
"Look at the Olympics, the NRL and the AFL and how much of it is played at night these days because it's a more convenient time for viewers and fans."
Finding a suitable ball is the last sticking point, but CA is committed to supplying the solution by November.
http://www.news.com.au/perthnow/story/0,21598,24847844-5005401,00.html