The BLACKCAPS will make history by playing cricket’s first ever day/night Test as we celebrate closer cricket ties between New Zealand Cricket and Cricket Australia.
To be played in Adelaide from November 27 to December 1, the unique and historic clash — part of a three-Test series carrying a total prize pool of $1 million, will usher in a new era of trans-Tasman rivalry, including a feast of 10 Tests and eight Chappell-Hadlee Series over the next seven years.
Having attracted the biggest official crowd ever recorded when they met in the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup final at the MCG, the BLACKCAPS and Australia will take each other on in a total of 28 ODIs in that seven-year period.
NZC chief executive David White says there are good reasons for being part of the day/night Test initiative, and even better ones for cultivating a closer working relationship with Cricket Australia.
“In today’s world, Test cricket is relatively inaccessible to the public – particularly during the non-holiday and non-weekend periods. This is a concept that allows more people to access the event, either by direct attendance or by watching on television.”
The day/night format will not “take over” Test cricket, but is another step forward in the constant evolution of the game.
“Since the first Test in 1877 there have been numerous changes to the laws and rules in an effort to ensure the game remains relevant – and this is another. As administrators, we owe it to the game to keep exploring ways of moving forward.”
Mr White congratulates CA for being at the forefront of such an exciting innovation and welcomes the agreement to play more cricket against Australia.
“It’s a significant breakthrough,” he said. “NZC and CA worked well together as co-hosts of the ICC Cricket World Cup and the goodwill engendered there has played a major role in this latest agreement.”
New Zealand Cricket Players Association chief executive Heath Mills says the players also recognise the significance of the seven-year trans-Tasman agreement.
“The team at NZC has done a great job in securing an agreement which has significant content and an enhanced Chappell-Hadlee programme,” he said.
Chappell-Hadlees have provided brilliant memories for players and fans alike
“This is a fantastic outcome for the game in our country. 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.
“However, whilst the players have reservations about playing Test cricket at night, they see the bigger picture in the new agreement and the greater good it brings to all levels of the game in New Zealand.”
David White, Sir Richard Hadlee and Heath Mills introduce a new era
Mills said the players are determined to contribute a portion of the prizemoney on offer to the Cricketers’ Hardship Trust, a charity designed to assist former cricketers in times of need.
The first Test of this summer’s series will unfold in Brisbane from November 5-9; the second in Perth from November 13-17 and there will be at least two warm-up games under lights using a pink ball ahead of the historic third Test in Adelaide (November 27-December 1).
The pink ball has been developed over the last decade to ensure greater visibility for players and spectators and CA chief executive James Sutherland said he was satisfied it was of Test match standard.
“We’re really confident with the work that’s been done over the past few years,” Mr Sutherland said.
“We’ve had two successive seasons of Sheffield Shield cricket where pink balls have been trialled. We’ve worked very closely with the Australian Cricketers’ Association and Kookaburra in the development of the ball and its continued upgrade to make it ready.”
Mr Sutherland said the day/night concept made sense, as people found it easier to access Test cricket – either live or on a screen – after work, school or their usual daytime activities.
“Our Perth Test match is a great illustration of that,’ he said. “It’s fanatically watched on the eastern seaboard of Australia every year because of the time difference. Our television ratings are something like 40 per cent more for the whole country.”
